Robotics technicians: [R.sub.x] for robots; the use of robots has opened the door for new career opportunities in the field of robotics and automated systems - Tech Connection

Robots have intrigued humans for years. They have been portrayed in science fiction books and movies as lifelike, ready and willing to do their human master's bidding. In reality, robots don't typically look like R2-D2 or C-3P0 from Star Wars. They look more like large metal arms and hands.

The Robotic Industries Association (RIA) defines a robot as "a reprogrammable, multifunction manipulator, designed to move materials, parts, tools, or special devices through variable programmable motions for the performance of a variety of tasks."

Most robots are used in manufacturing plants, where they perform welding, painting, drilling, cutting, and material-handling tasks. They are controlled by a computer, not a human, and can be reprogrammed to perform different tasks as needed.

From Bolts to Computers

Robotics technicians are the people who install, repair, and maintain robots. These technicians use hand and power tools, testing instruments, manuals, schematic diagrams, and blueprints to perform their job duties.

"One minute they'll have a wrench in their hand, and the next minute they'll be fixing the program that moves the robot," says Jeff Chapman, president of The Chapman Group, an Arizona employment search company. Chapman has been involved in manufacturing automation technology for 20 years.

According to Chapman, technicians must be able to work with electromechanical systems. This means they must have knowledge of electronics (controls, computer monitoring, sensors), mechanics (movement of mechanical parts), and computer technology (systems programs).

Robotics technicians must possess a broad base of knowledge. "It is very involved; it's more than just programming," says Chapman.

Prior to installing a robot, a technician ensures that the site is ready for installation. Electrical wires, switches, and circuit breakers must be available and ready to go. Then the technician uses tools and equipment, sometimes even a crane for large robots, to position and then bolt the robot in place.

All robotics technicians must be able to communicate with robotics engineers, the people who design and develop new robots. Those technicians who closely assist the engineer with the design and development are sometimes referred to as robotic design technicians.

ABB is an international robot manufacturer and supplier. They hire technicians to integrate (put together) systems at customer sites. "The tech does the wiring and takes parts and mounts them onto the system according to the prints from the engineer," says Chuck Boyer of ABB in Colorado. "Once we've built the whole system and turned it over to the customer, then we have to be available to maintain it," he adds.

Robotics technicians must be able to troubleshoot and repair robots or robotics equipment. They test components, locate faulty parts, replace or adjust the parts, suggest changes in the circuitry or computer programming, and change the robot's end-of-aim tool for new tasks.

On the Leash

Robotics technicians may work for manufacturing companies that use robots or for robot manufacturers, such as ABB, who make, install, and service robots.

Some technicians work swing shifts (alternating days, nights, and weekends), and some techs are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These technicians, sometimes called robot field technicians, spend nearly all of their time in the field rather than in an office.

Field technicians usually work for a robot manufacturer. They are located in one region of the country and travel to manufacturing sites to service robots and robotics equipment. They spend most of their time on the road, often staying overnight, or even several days, at a customer site. Nearly half of all robots used in the United States are employed in automobile manufacturing plants.

On-call field technicians carry a pager and must be able to drop whatever they are doing at the moment to travel to a customer site. This is where the term "on the leash" comes from.

While pay differs from company to company, according to Chapman, the more a technician travels, the more money he or she makes. "Some field technicians are paid from the minute they step in their car to get to the customer site."

Start Now

To prepare for a career in robotics, plan to take science, math, and computer classes in high school. Recommended subjects include algebra, geometry, physics, biology, chemistry, drafting, graphics, and calculus. Vocational classes in blueprint and electrical schematic reading, hand tools, drafting, and electronics basics are also desirable.

Many employers seek technicians with post-high school training and education. Courses and two-year degree programs are offered through community colleges or technical institutes.

You also may want to consider the armed forces. The military uses robotics and can provide you with training that is considered top quality. They also can help you find a job later.

Begin exploring robots on your own. You can build your own robots from robot kits. There are many books available that give instructions on how to build your own robot. Robot competitions are growing in popularity and are available to students interested in robotics. Some competitions even offer scholarships to the participants.

Job Outlook

According to a survey done by the RIA in 2000, the median salary for robotics technicians varies based on years of experience. For newcomers, with 0-3 years' experience, the median salary was $40,153. For those with more than five years' experience, the median salary was $55,550.

The RIA estimates there are about 118,000 robots now at work in U.S. factories. The industry was doing well until last year when it was hit hard by the economic downturn.

But, as humans continue their quest for "smart" robots (with sensory devices that can do more work on their own), and as the trends toward automation continue, the industry is expected to pick up again.

"If you prepare yourself by learning and are willing to travel, you can find a job," says Chapman. "The industry is just starting to wake up again. It will continue to grow in a methodical way. You can improve your chances tenfold if you position yourself now."

For More Information

The Robotic Industries Association (RIA) publishes a directory of companies that manufacture or use robots and is a source of possible job opportunities. Visit their Web site, Robotics Online, at www.roboticsonline.com.

Check out FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), www.usfirst.org, for information on regional and championship robotics competitions open to high school students.

RELATED ARTICLE

Students will become familiar with the training and duties of robotics technicians.

REVIEW/DISCUSS

* Where are robots most often used? (They are used in manufacturing plants to modify and handle materials.)

* What does a robotics technician do? (installs, repairs, and maintains robots)

* What type of person is best suited for a career in robotics?

* What sets these jobs apart from others in the technology field?

ACTIVITIES

* Ask students to make a chart explaining the responsibilities, a typical day, the challenges, work environment, training, and skills needed for jobs in these robotics fields: robotics technician, robotics design technician, and robot field technician.

* Have students rate their interest in robotics technology, electricity, mechanics, drafting, math, and computers. Discuss the relationship of each to robotics technology.

* Show a video of robots in use in manufacturing; and discuss the usefulness of robots, as well as what is involved in designing them to complete given tasks and maintaining them in good working order.

* Ask students to take a self-inventory by listing their top five interests and top five abilities, then analyze how these relate to each robotics field.

* Have students see what they can find out about robotics on the Internet. Helpful sites include the University of Massachusetts robotics site at www-robotics.csumass.edu/robotics.html.

"Industrial Technology," video, $99.95; "Technical & Related Occupations," video, $99.95; Meridian, 1-800-727-5507.

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