DREAM JOB

Robotics Technician
California Occupational Guide Number 552
Interest Area 5-A
1995

THE JOB

Thanks to Hollywood and science fiction literature, we have been introduced
to many mythical robots. However the real robots, important players in
California's economy, remain relatively unknown, working quietly and
efficiently behind the scenes.

Robots, introduced to the world in 1921 by Czechoslovakian playwright Karel
Capek in his play R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots), were docile mechanical
workers who toiled tirelessly. Capek took the name "robot" from the Czech
word robota, which means worker.

The robot's roots reach far back into history. Mechanical figures over
2,500 years old have been found in Egyptian ruins. In the eighteenth and
nineteenth century, automatons -- mechanical devices built in the shapes of
animals and people and capable of moving on their own -- began to appear.
With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, machines became more and more
advanced. In the mid-1950's, George Devol developed Unimate, an industrial
robot that began work on an automobile assembly line. This pioneer robot
ran for 100,000 hours and is now on display in the Smithsonian Institute in
Washington DC.

Most robots are in industrial manufacturing. A robot has to be
reprogrammable so that instructions can be changed, and it must be
multifunctional -- capable of doing different tasks. Robots move materials
from one place to another, they paint, weld, and shape raw materials into
specific parts and assemble the parts into completed products.

ROBOTICS TECHNICIANS install, service, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair
robots and automated production systems. They must understand computers,
electrical and electronic systems, sensor and feedback principles, and how
robots work as machines. Their duties vary depending upon whom they work
for and the type of robots on which they work. Technicians employed by
manufacturers work closely with designers, engineers, and technologists.
They might be involved in the developing, testing, programming, and actual
on-site installation of new robots. Some technicians work as robotics
trainers and train others to install, use, and maintain robots. Robotics
Technicians have another important role -- they are the people who help keep
the robots "working". Employed by robot manufacturers, suppliers,
distributors or by the companies that use and depend on robots, they
maintain and troubleshoot all aspects of robots and automated systems --
mechanical as well as electrical.

In the auto industry, skilled trade workers such as electricians,
millwrights, pipe fitters, machinists, and machine repair workers maintain
robots. Called general maintenance technicians, these skilled Robot
Technicians take care of all the electro-mechanical equipment. Thoroughly
cross-trained and skilled in multiple trades, they are responsible for the
maintenance and repair of a wide variety of robots and equipment. They
analyze equipment problems and troubleshoot electrical components and
systems, as well as service and repair both hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
They also do welding and machining.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Technicians involved with testing and designing robots work mainly in
well-equipped laboratories. Those involved in actual manufacturing
operations or in repairing and maintaining robots may work in production
locations varying from "hard hat" areas that are noisy, hot, and dirty to
the sterile "clean room" environment in which the temperature, humidity and
dust content of the air are carefully controlled. Since some robots are
designed to perform jobs considered to be dangerous, technicians working on
these robots must follow all prescribed safety measures.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections of Employment
published by the Labor Market Information Division. It projects trends for
the broad group commercial electronics repairers, which includes Robotics
Technicians.

Estimated number of workers in 1990 7,700
Estimated number of workers in 2005 8,070
Projected Growth 1990-2005 5%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 1,980

(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)

In spite of the promise of the technology, growth in the robotics industry
is well below that of all occupations in California. U.S. manufacturing
industries must convert to robotics and automated systems to remain
competitive. The electronics industry, faced with increasing competition in
the 80s, turned to automation and flexible assembly as a solution, and today
it is becoming one of the biggest users of robotics equipment.

Technological advances are continually improving robotics. Ongoing
research in the fields of artificial intelligence and machine vision is
making robots "smarter" and helping them "see" better. As the technology
improves and more applications develop, new markets for robotics will open
up. This growth will result in an increased demand for Electronics
Technicians and Maintenance Technicians who can build and maintain the
equipment. Those with computer and electronic skills will have the best
opportunities.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Salaries for entry-level positions for Electronics Technicians with an AS
degree start anywhere from $6.00 to $17.50 an hour. Experienced Electronics
Technicians who work on robotics and automated systems can expect to earn
from $10.00 to $25.00 an hour. Most technicians work full time and may work
varied day shifts. Many companies also employ technicians on swing shifts
and overtime work may be required.

Most employers offer full fringe benefits including paid sick leave,
vacation, retirement and medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
Some employers also have profit sharing plans and tuition reimbursement plans.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

The field of robotics demands many skills and talents. Those entering the
field must have mechanical skills, eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity,
the spatial ability to understand blueprints and diagrams, the capability to
read and understand technical instructions, and analytical ability. High
school students interested in entering the robotics field should prepare by
taking classes in algebra, geometry, computer science, general science, and
physics. Other important classes to take include drafting, electronics, and
machine shop.

Employers prefer to hire electronic technicians who have completed a
two-year electronics engineering technology program at a community college
or trade school. Several California community colleges have these programs,
and some include classes in robotics.


ADVANCEMENT

Robotics technicians who demonstrate leadership potential can advance to
supervisor or team leader positions. Technicians also may be promoted to
trainer positions within their company. Those who work for vendors can move
up to technical trainer or sales representative. Many employers provide
educational fee reimbursement and encourage their technicians to continue to
take college classes and work toward a higher degree.


FINDING THE JOB

Electronics technicians who graduate from community colleges or trade
schools may find work through the placement offices or by interviews with
employers recruiting on their campuses. Trade journals and magazines list
employers and job openings, and membership in a robotics professional
society provides valuable networking opportunities. In addition, employers
frequently list their openings with the Job Service offices of the
California Employment Development Department.

WAGES, HOURLY
Low, Entry Level $6.00
High, Entry Level $17.50
Low, Experienced $10.00
High, Experienced $25.00

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Robotics International of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (RI/SME)
PO Box 930
Dearborn, MI 48121-0930
(313) 271-1500

Robotics Industries Association
PO Box 3724
Ann Arbor, MI 48106
(313) 994-6088