robotics engineer
Snapshot
Shape the future of automation as a robotics engineer! Combining engineering principles with computing and electronics, you'll be at the forefront of designing and developing innovative robotic solutions for a wide range of industries.
As a robotics engineer, your days are likely to involve a blend of design, development, testing, and problem-solving. You’ll work with mechanical, electrical, and software components to create functional robotic systems. This could mean designing a new robotic arm for a manufacturing plant, developing algorithms for autonomous navigation, or improving the efficiency of existing robotic applications. The role demands a strong understanding of engineering principles and a passion for innovation.
- • Designing and developing robotic systems and components, integrating mechanical, electrical, and software elements.
- • Developing and implementing control systems and algorithms for robotic operation, including navigation and manipulation.
- • Testing and troubleshooting robotic prototypes and systems, identifying and resolving technical issues.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering professionals — 274 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Ireland and 4 more.
Longest-running shortage: Ireland, 4 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Could robotics engineer fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Persistence?
Future Outlook for robotics engineer
The outlook for robotics engineer reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could robotics engineer change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could robotics engineer change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
Most tasks here are AI-assistable rather than purely human-led.
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- execute feasibility study
- assess financial viability
- use technical drawing software
Tasks most exposed to automation
No single task here is highly automatable yet.
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Advanced Manufacturing
A typical day as a robotics engineer
09 09:00 · Morning assess financial viability
10 10:30 · Mid-morning execute feasibility study
12 12:00 · Midday adjust engineering designs
14 14:00 · Afternoon approve engineering design
15 15:30 · Late afternoon design automation components
17 17:00 · Wrap-up develop computer vision system
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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engineering processes
The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.
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human-robot collaboration
Human-Robot Collaboration is the study of collaborative processes in which human and robot agents work together to achieve shared goals. Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) is an interdisciplinary research area comprising classical robotics, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, design, cognitive sciences and psychology. It is related to the definition of the plans and the rules for communication to perform a task and achieve a goal in a joint action with a robot.
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mechanical engineering
Discipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.
- automatic control system
- engineering principles
- mechanics
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adjust engineering designs
Adjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.
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develop computer vision system
Apply and combine different computer vision tools and methods such as image acquisition, image processing, image segmentation and classification, detection, etc. in one system to allow computers to extract information from digital images such as photographs or video.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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use technical drawing software
Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.
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execute feasibility study
Perform the evaluation and assessment of the potential of a project, plan, proposition or new idea. Realise a standardised study which is based on extensive investigation and research to support the process of decision making.
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assess financial viability
Revise and analyse financial information and requirements of projects such as their budget appraisal, expected turnover, and risk assessment for determining the benefits and costs of the project. Assess if the agreement or project will redeem its investment, and whether the potential profit is worth the financial risk.
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approve engineering design
Give consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.
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design automation components
Design engineering parts, assemblies, products, or systems that contribute to the automation of industrial machines.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Where does robotics engineer fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of educational background is typically required to become a robotics engineer?
- A bachelor's degree in robotics engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field is generally expected. Advanced degrees (master's or doctorate) can be beneficial for research-focused roles or specialized areas within robotics.
- Are robotics engineers typically employed by large corporations, or are there opportunities for smaller companies and startups?
- While many robotics engineers find employment in large manufacturing companies, automotive industries, and technology firms, there's a growing number of opportunities within smaller companies and startups, particularly those focused on developing specialized robotic solutions.
- What are some of the key skills, beyond technical knowledge, that contribute to success as a robotics engineer?
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential. The ability to work effectively in a team, communicate technical concepts clearly, and adapt to changing project requirements are also highly valuable. A detail-oriented approach and a commitment to continuous learning are crucial in this rapidly evolving field.
- Robotics Engineer — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Yes. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a shortage was reported in 8 of the 13 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain and 4 more. Ireland has reported one for 4 consecutive years. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Robotics Engineer — what does it pay in the United States?
- $117,750 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $76,100 to $162,070. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.