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Engineering Technology & Data Degree

Robotics Engineer

Design, build and program robots and autonomous systems for manufacturing, healthcare, exploration and defence.

A day in the life

Write control algorithms, test robotic prototypes, integrate sensors and actuators, and debug hardware-software interfaces.

Typical route

Helpful A-levels

Physics + Maths + Computer Science

Typical qualification and training

  • Robotics, Mechanical Engineering or Physics degree
  • Graduate scheme or robotics research internship

These are common routes, not compulsory subject combinations. Entry requirements vary between universities, training schemes and employers, so always check the current provider requirements.

Indicative UK salary

Starter
£28,000-£36,000
Experienced
£45,000-£65,000
Senior
£80,000+

Autonomous systems and AI-robotics roles often pay at the top end.

Salary range checked against Prospects.ac.uk: Robotics Engineer.

UK employers

  • Ocado Technology
  • Dyson
  • Renishaw
  • UK Atomic Energy Authority

Worldwide employers

  • Boston Dynamics
  • ABB
  • KUKA
  • Tesla

Useful route links

These links are good starting points for courses, apprenticeships, graduate routes and professional training. They open the official or specialist sites rather than another summary page.

UCAS course search: robotics Compare degree prospectuses, entry requirements, open days and course structures. ucas.com Engineering apprenticeships Search current engineering apprenticeship and degree apprenticeship vacancies. findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk Tech Nation jobs and talent Specialist UK AI, machine-learning and quantum talent routes. technation.io UCAS Physics and astronomy courses Search UK undergraduate physics, astrophysics and related degree options. ucas.com Prospects: what can I do with a physics degree? Independent overview of careers that physics graduates enter. prospects.ac.uk Find an apprenticeship on GOV.UK Search current apprenticeship and degree apprenticeship vacancies in England. gov.uk

Key skills

Mechanical Engineer

Apply physics and mechanics to design machines, tools and moving systems used across every industry.

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Software Engineer

Design, build and maintain the software that runs devices, services and scientific instruments.

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AI Research Scientist

Develop new algorithms, models and theories that advance artificial intelligence and machine learning.

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Sources and further reading

External links open in a new tab.

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