Program overview

Robotics Engineering Technology is an Engineering Technology bachelor of applied science degree completion program that focuses on design, development and analysis of robotics with an emphasis on industrial robot systems and mobile robotics. This interdisciplinary program combines the fields of mechanical engineering, computer science, electrical and electronics engineering.

Thanks to the multidisciplinary nature of the robotics program, its graduates will have the necessary skills to design or manage systems resulting from the integration of diverse components and technologies. Graduates of the program are robotics engineers prepared to fill engineering positions at the industry in the areas of design and development of robotics systems and robot platforms, industrial robots and factory automation, mobile robots, design and development of automation and control systems, robotics sales and service. 

The robotics program has been designed as a baccalaureate degree completion program to complement an associate degree in the field of engineering technology. Students who completed an associate degree in electrical/electronics, mechanical, electro-mechanical or similarly titled engineering technology discipline can conveniently complete the bachelor’s degree in applied science in engineering technology with robotics concentration in approximately the equivalent of two years of full-time coursework (64-70 semester hours).

All the courses for the robotics program are offered at Miami University's regional locations in Hamilton and Middletown and also via distance learning at selected college partner locations in Ohio.

What classes would I take?

The robotics program curriculum focuses on both theoretical and applied aspects of design, development and analysis of robotics systems with an emphasis on industrial and mobile robots and computer integrated manufacturing. Robotics courses emphasize the development and control of robots in automated industrial systems through the use of artificial intelligence. The robotics program includes three specific courses in the area of robotics. The robotics-focused course requirements of the RET program are as follows:

ENT 313. Introduction to Robotics Systems - Overview of robot components, mechanisms, dynamics, and intelligent control algorithms. Planar and spatial kinematics and motion planning; mechanism design for manipulators and mobile robots; multi-rigid-body dynamics. Weekly laboratories provide experience with servo drives, real-time control and embedded software.

ENT 413. Industrial Robotics Lab - Lab-intensive course covering the fundamental and advanced topics on common industrial robotics systems. Provides detailed definitions and classifications of industrial robot systems. Discusses grippers and other end-of-arm tooling for robots. robot teach/pro programming, program languages, robot arm, robot controller, workstation and safety systems. There is a significant lab-based component in which teams of students compete in several main industrial robotics areas to optimize mission performance under real-world time constraints.

ENT 417. Integrated Robotics Systems Engineering - Combines the components of fundamentals of robotics into the design, testing and deployment of fully working interdisciplinary robotic systems. This course discusses the history and development of industrial collaborative robots, programming and integration of robotic work cells and other computers, and robot-integrated systems used in industrial applications. The course explores the interrelations of automation and robotics equipment via communication and networking. The course discusses intelligent control algorithms, sensors and vision systems and their value in expanding the potential application for robots. The course also covers topics related to computer integrated manufacturing, flexible manufacturing, automated material handling, smart warehousing. Weekly laboratory modules are given for design, integration and programming of integrated robotics cells.

Please also see Miami University's General Bulletin for a full list of program requirements for the RET program.

Course Flow Diagram

Course flow diagram helps the students to establish a pathway toward graduating, by showing the courses that need to be taken, pre-requisite courses, the semesters that courses need to be taken, and additional information. To get a latest copy of the course flow diagram, please contact Prof. Mert Bal.

RET Course List

Please check our course list page.

What can I do with this major?

Graduates of the robotics engineering technology program are robotics engineers prepared to fill engineering positions in the areas of design and development of robotics systems and robot platforms, industrial robots and factory automation, mobile robots, design and development of automation and control systems, robotics sales and service.

Robotics encompasses industrial automation and autonomous mobile systems. The field of robotics is permeating throughout industry and daily life on an ever-increasing scale. Besides the manufacturing industry which has pioneered in robotics and smart factories to improve their operations, various other industries are currently investing in robotics systems for improving their operational efficiency. All major car manufacturers are testing self-driving cars, and retail industries are considering delivery of packages and groceries by drones and driverless vehicles. The industrial robotics market is currently growing and it is predicted to continue growing in the next 10-20 year.

Local Job Statistics

According to the Occupational Employment Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state of Ohio employs more than 5,000 people in electrical engineering-related positions. The Occupational Outlook Handbook forecasts national job growth for electrical and electronics engineering occupations to remain consistent.

Graduates with this degree are qualified for careers such as:

• Robotics Engineers.
• Robotics Systems Engineers.
• System Integrators.
• Automation System Designers.
• Robotics Technicians.
• Electro-Mechanical Engineering Researcher.
• Electro-Mechanical Engineer Technicians.
• Robotics Salesperson.
• Engineering Consultant.
• Hardware/Software Developer.
• Mechanical Drafter.
• Product Manufacturer/Engineer (computer, electronic, mechanical).
• Production Worker.
• Graduate degree pursuit in areas related to robotics and automation science.

Top NACE* Employability Skills of focus in this degree program

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.
• Oral and Written Communications.
• Teamwork and Collaboration.
• Information Technology Application.
• Leadership.
• Professionalism and Work Ethic.
• Career Management.

Educational Objectives and Student Outcomes

Program-specific objectives of the robotics engineering technology concentration are given as follows. The RET program produces graduates who:

• possess the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to solve engineering technology problems associated with robotics and automation systems.
• are able to analyze and design complex robotics systems and components.
• possess the ability to integrate mechanical, electrical and computer science skills to design and integrate robot platforms for solving real world industrial applications of robotics.
• are able to use communication skills in oral, written, visual and graphic modes within interpersonal, team and group environments.

Advisor assignments

See the list of academic advisors.