Michigan Occupational Information System
#053 - ROBOT TECHNICIAN  

Robot Technicians install, service, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair robots and automated production systems. Robot Technicians employed by robot manufacturers also assist in the application and design of robots and their manufacture and testing.  

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION  

Robot Technicians may:

Assist engineers in the design and application of robot systems, using knowledge of field conditions and practices  

Inspect electronic components from suppliers prior to robot assembly  

Inspect and test robots for defects after manufacturer's assembly  

Install robots or robot systems at users' sites in stationary positions or on tracks  

Install robot safety systems  

Provide start-up assistance to users, including qualifying (fine tuning) performance and accuracy of robots and troubleshooting  

Program robot for series of manipulator (arm-hand) moves (movements) manually or by electronic instructions to a microprocessor or by setting up and adjusting sequence by hand-held teach pendant  

Modify computer-controlled motion of robots  

Trouble shoot to determine robot malfunctions, using knowledge of microprocessors, programmable controllers, electronics, circuit analysis, mechanics, hydraulics, and pneumatics  

Disassemble robots and/or peripheral equipment to repair or replace defective circuit boards, sensors, controllers, encoders, servomotors, servovalves, or automatic lubrication systems  

Reassemble robots  

Train other technicians and skilled workers to operate, program, repair, and service robots  

Keep records of test procedures and results  

Tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES  

638.261-026 ROBOT TECHNICIANS may be called robot technologists, robot service technicians, robot quality control technicians, maintenance/service personnel, field service engineers, automated manufacturing technicians, installation engineers, or robot service engineers.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:  

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS  

A successful robotics operation is the result of a well-trained team. The Robot Technicians may work with application and design engineers, machine builders, and customers (if employed by robot manufacturers). When in the field, the Technician must work with the customer's engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel, in the installation and servicing of robots.  

Robots are used in spray painting, welding, assembly, die casting, machine loading and unloading, plastic molding, inspection, forging, and heat treating.  

Depending on the employer, Robot Technicians may work in well equipped test labs, in manufacturing operations of robot makers, and/or servicing robots in user's plant facilities. Labs may be clean and well lighted while production areas may be noisy, hot, dirty, or have high levels of dust or fumes. Attention to safety is critical as robots are capable of quick, sudden movements.  

Robot Technicians work a 5-day, 40-hour week and some Technicians work 10 or more hours overtime per week. Shift work may be required for those employed by robot users. Work may be scheduled over long holiday periods for installation of new robots or during major modifications.  

Robot Technicians employed by robot manufacturers may travel out-of-town for 15-90% of their time to install or repair robots or train user's employees to operate and service robots or robot systems.  

Robotics International of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (RI/SME) is a special association created to help members keep abreast of technological developments in robotics. Robot Technicians may become members and pay an annual membership fee.  

You Should Prefer:

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature  

• Activities which involve the use of machines, processes, or methods  

• Activities dealing with things, objects, and data  

You Should Be Able To:

• Work on a team with others  

• Use reason and logic  

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy  

• Apply mathematics quickly and accurately  

• Rate information using standards that can be measured or checked  

• Look at flat drawings and visualize them as solid objects  

• Express yourself well, both orally and in writing  

• Work easily and skillfully with your hands  

• See detail in objects or drawings and recognize slight differences  

• Coordinate the use of your eyes and hands to perform tasks  

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

A robot has to move to cartesian-coordinate point (11,12,13). Calculate the base angle Y and reach R needed for a cylindrical-coordinates robot to reach this point.  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Most continuous path robots require having the manipulator led through the desired motion cycle at normal speed while a program button is held down. The control unit records many points per second in its electronic memory as the robot is led through its path. To make this easier to move the robot manipulator at the normal speed, most continuous-path robots have hydraulic power systems that are relatively easy to bypass during programming.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare an inspection analysis upon testing a robot for defects.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate excellent analytical skills and be detail oriented in inspecting robots and assisting engineers in design and application of robots.  

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES  

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0300 AUTOMOTIVE , 0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3100 STUDY & WORK OPTIONS , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

120 ROBOTICS TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Robotics Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the design, manufacturing, testing, installation, operation, and maintenance of robots, robotic systems, and related devices, tools, and mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment. Individuals who teach Robotics Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.  

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript  

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript    

E-Learning Courses and Programs      

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY  

Robot Technicians may be certified as a manufacturing technologist from the Manufacturing Engineering Certification Institute of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. A Technician with 4 years of manufacturing engineering experience may be certified as a manufacturing technologist and, with 10 years, may be certified as a manufacturing engineer. Academic training may substitute for up to 5 years experience on a year-for-year basis. Applicants must pay an application fee and pass an exam. Certification is valid for three years.  

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships  

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Robot Technician employer  

internships  

volunteer work with a Robot Technician employer  

community service work with an agency  

Summer or part-time work is seldom available for Robot Technicians, but building or repairing electronic equipment, radios, or television sets will develop desirable skills. Postsecondary programs in robotics technology may offer co-op opportunities which include practical experience. At the postsecondary school level, individuals may join an RI/SME student chapter to learn more about robotics through technical programs, plant tours, and on-campus conferences.  

Trade journals such as Robotics Age and SME's Robotics Today (both published 6 times/yr.) and SME's Manufacturing Engineer (monthly) report on developments and trends in the industry and identify manufacturers and users.  

The most common method of entry is direct application to robot manufacturers, suppliers/distributors, and firms which use robots. Michigan Works! or school placement offices may provide assistance in finding a job. Newspaper want ads may include relevant job listings. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:    

Robotic Industries Association Job Postings ( http://www.robotics.org )    

The Society of Manufacturing Engineer's (Robotics International) Jobs Database ( http://www.sme.org )    

Michigan Talent Bank

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Classifieds Employment  

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM  

JobOptions

Michigan Works!

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.  

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

Salaries of Robot Technicians depend largely on the Technician's education, experience, and job responsibilities. The size and type of employer are also factors which affect salaries.  

According to limited data, the salaries of entry-level Robot Technicians ranged from about $21,000 to $31,000 per year (mid 1999). Some Technicians earn as much as $47,000 after several years on the job. Experienced Technicians in supervisory production positions may earn from $40,000 to $50,000 or more per year (mid 1999). In the auto industry, skilled trade workers such as electricians, industrial machine repairers, tool makers, and millwrights maintain robots. These workers earned salaries ranging from $48,110 to $50,690 per year without overtime, to which cost-of-living allowances (COLA) were added (mid 1999). Technicians are also reimbursed for job-related travel expenses.  

Depending on the employer, most Robot Technicians receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; and retirement plans. Some employers have profit-sharing and/or tuition reimbursement plans.  

Some robot users meet their demand for Robot Technicians by placing their skilled or displaced workers in special programs of training conducted by a robot manufacturer or vendor. Graduates of postsecondary robotics programs usually complete their employer's in-house robotics training.  

Two career paths are possible. A worker trainee can become a robot operator, then Robot Technician, supervisor or senior Robot Technician, then choose between technical trainer or sales representative. The second path enables a trainee to advance to a design or application engineer, then to a manager of robotics, then to director of automation.  

Advancement opportunities are very good for Robot Technicians who are well-trained, skilled workers with strong technical and programming backgrounds. Those who broaden their expertise through continuing education courses and gain experience with more sophisticated robots will advance rapidly. With additional education, Technicians may go on to engineering, managerial, or sales positions.  

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK  

Nationally, there are nearly 100 producers and robotic systems integrators in the robotics industry. About 87,000 robots were estimated to be in use in the U.S. in 1998. A large percent were in the automotive or automotive related industries. Some experts predict significant growth in the use of robots through the year 2005.  

The use of "flexible automation" in manufacturing in the 1990's will have a positive impact on the demand for industrial robots and technicians. "Flexible Automation" is designed so that production setups can be changed quickly to a different, but similar, product. The advantages of industrial robots are increased productivity, consistent quality, cost efficiency, and machine performance of hazardous or boring tasks.  

Major users of industrial robots in Michigan are manufacturers of automobiles, trucks, farm machinery, construction equipment, and aircraft. Other industries presently using robots include home appliances, electronics, and consumer goods. Robot Technicians are employed by robot suppliers or distributors, manufacturers and users.  

Employment opportunities in the field of robotics are good and are expected to increase steadily. However, the current number of Robot Technicians employed in Michigan is relatively small, and those completing training programs may exceed the number demanded in the near term. Although the automobile industry actually created the market for robotics in the early 1980's, there has been a decline in automotive-related growth in the robotics industry. Few new Technicians will be hired as present staffing needs are being met by retraining existing skilled trades personnel.  

As use increases, so will the need to manufacture, install, service, and repair robots. New applications in other industries, such as food processing, may increase employment opportunities in the robotics field. Developments such as vision systems, sensing devices, and increased mobility are making robots suitable for a wider range of industries. Much cleanup and repair of nuclear facilities is now being done by robots.  

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

Printed occupational information is available upon written request from the below:  

SUMMARY PROFILE  

The occupation of Robot Technician can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development