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.  

JOB DUTIES   

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  

Click here to watch Robotics Technicians at work!

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 Career Exploration scripts:        

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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.  

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