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Robotics Technicians

Robotics Technicians is the O*NET name for people who build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems. Interest ratings put Realistic on top at 6.9 out of 7 and Conventional second, so the code is RCI and the day leans toward hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world. The preparation level is medium preparation, typically one or two years of vocational training, an apprenticeship or an associate’s degree. O*NET’s skill data points to troubleshooting, repairing, and reading comprehension as the ones to build. One core duty is to make repairs to robots or peripheral equipment, such as replacement of defective circuit boards, sensors, controllers, encoders, or servomotors. If you want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, keep it on your list. If you need creative work with room for original expression, it may feel thin.

What they do

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

Main tasks

  • Make repairs to robots or peripheral equipment, such as replacement of defective circuit boards, sensors, controllers, encoders, or servomotors.
  • Troubleshoot robotic systems, using knowledge of microprocessors, programmable controllers, electronics, circuit analysis, mechanics, sensor or feedback systems, hydraulics, or pneumatics.
  • Install, program, or repair programmable controllers, robot controllers, end-of-arm tools, or conveyors.
  • Maintain service records of robotic equipment or automated production systems.
  • Modify computer-controlled robot movements.
  • Perform preventive or corrective maintenance on robotic systems or components.

Skills

  • Troubleshooting
  • Repairing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Critical Thinking
  • Operations Monitoring

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You are willing to put in a year or two of focused training.
  • You are comfortable relying on troubleshooting and repairing.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You need to start within a few months, with no training period.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Medium preparation. Expect vocational school, an apprenticeship, related experience or an associate’s degree, usually one or two years in total.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Automation Technician
  • Electrical and Instrumentation Technician (E and I Technician)
  • Instrument and Automation Technician
  • Instrument Specialist
  • Instrument Technician

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.