Robotics Technician

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A robotics technician could...

Overview Listen to this section

Robots are no longer futuristic machines. Robots are here and now and are used in manufacturing, health care, service industries, and military applications. They perform tasks that are repetitive and hazardous—things that humans don't want to do or are unsafe to do. But robots are still machines, which means they require humans to build, maintain, program, and keep them functioning efficiently. Robotics technicians work with robotics engineers to build and test robots. They are responsible for installing and maintaining robots and keeping them in working order for their employers. If you are interested in working with robots, your future is here and now.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Robotics Technician?

1. Troubleshooting: ? Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
2. Repairing: ? Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
3. Equipment Maintenance: ? Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
4. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
5. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

6. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
7. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
8. Operation Monitoring: ? Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
9. Quality Control Analysis: ? Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
10. Operation and Control: ? Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Robotics Technician might do:

• Make repairs to robots or peripheral equipment, such as replacement of defective circuit boards, sensors, controllers, encoders, or servomotors.
• Troubleshoot robotic systems, using knowledge of microprocessors, programmable controllers, electronics, circuit analysis, mechanics, sensor or feedback systems, hydraulics, or pneumatics.
• Install, program, or repair programmable controllers, robot controllers, end-of-arm tools, or conveyors.
• Maintain service records of robotic equipment or automated production systems.
• Modify computer-controlled robot movements.
• Perform preventive or corrective maintenance on robotic systems or components.
• Align, fit, or assemble components, using hand tools, power tools, fixtures, templates, or microscopes.
• Attach wires between controllers.
• Evaluate the efficiency and reliability of industrial robotic systems, reprogramming or calibrating to achieve maximum quantity and quality.
• Test performance of robotic assemblies, using instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges.
• Train customers or other personnel to install, use, or maintain robots.
• Build or assemble robotic devices or systems.
• Assist engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic systems.
• Document robotics test procedures and results.
• Install new robotic systems in stationary positions or on tracks.