Educating the Global Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineering as a distinct discipline is an idea whose time has come. Traditionally, engineers working in the robotics industry have been mostly trained in a single science or engineering discipline, such as computer engineering (CE), computer science (CS), electrical engineering (EE), mechanical engineering (ME), or software engineering (SE). However, as an inherently multidisciplinary activity, no single discipline provides the breadth demanded by robotics in the future. Realizing this, universities are now starting to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in robotics. Worldwide, there are now approximately 10 undergraduate programs and an equal number of graduate programs in robotics. Note that the intellectual basis for Robotics Engineering is integration – it is fundamentally a systems engineering major that is grounded in CE, CS, EE, ME and SE. As such, it is well-positioned to educate the “entrepreneurial/enterprising engineer” of the 21 century, the engineer who 1) knows everything, 2) can do anything, 3) collaborates, and 4) innovates. The entrepreneurial/enterprising engineer needs a global perspective and the globalization of robotics brings several implications for robotics engineers, including manufacturing, food production, defense, and telepresence. Thus, the globalization of robotics carries many potentially disruptive societal impacts. Destruction of existing jobs / creation of new jobs. Enhanced security / reduced individual liberty. Longer lifespan / quality of life. Telepresence / never quite being present. Because of the disruptive potential of their craft, Robotics Engineers bear a special responsibility to humankind, embodied in a Code of Ethics for Robotics Engineers. We conclude that in addition to a broad and rigorous technological education, they must be well educated in economic, ethical, societal, and global issues. This education happens formally, through course, project, and off-campus experiences, and informally, through international robotics events. Taken together, these formal and informal activities and programs can give robotics engineers the global mindset demanded of the modern engineer.