Robotics Integrators
Outlook
Employment Prospects
Employers
Robotics integrators are employed by any type of manufacturer that seeks to bring robotics and automation to its production floors or expand existing robotics systems, or by robotics integration companies (RICs) that provide these services to manufacturing plants. Leading RICs include RobotWorx, Midwest Engineered Systems, Motion Controls Robotics, Genesis Systems Group, BW Integrated Systems, and Yaskawa Motoman Automation. Robotics integrators also work for non-manufacturing employers that are seeking automation solutions. Some integrators operate their own consulting firms.
Starting Out
The majority of integrators first worked as robotics technicians or specialists. Those who work in the aforementioned positions are often promoted to the position of robotics integrator after obtaining several years of experience and additional training in the field.
Job opportunities can be obtained by attending in-person and online networking events (including career fairs), getting job leads from contacts made during internships and other experiential learning opportunities, using the services of a recruiter, and applying directly to companies that hire robotics integrators.
Advancement Prospects
Robotics integrators advance by receiving pay raises and managerial responsibilities. Those who do not have engineering degrees can earn a degree in an engineering specialty in order to become a robotics engineer. At many companies, this may be considered more of a lateral move than a promotion. Others may advance to become chief robotics officers at their company. Workers in this emerging career oversee all robotics-related operations at their company and also focus on the interactions between robots and their human coworkers. Some integrators choose to open their consulting firms or work as college professors or corporate trainers.
Tips for Entry
Check out a beginner’s guide to robotics at the Association for Advancing Automation’s Web site, https://www.automate.org/robotics/beginners-guide.
Visit https://www.roboticscareer.org for more information on education and careers in robotics.
Visit https://www.automate.org/career-center and https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=2714082901&keywords=robotics%20integrator for job listings.
Join professional associations to access training and networking resources, industry publications, and employment opportunities.
Become certified by the Association for Advancing Automation in order to show employers that youve met the highest standards established by your industry.