Science and technology play a vital role in the progress and overall development of any country. Most of the powerful nations of the world today had embraced Science and technology quite early in their developmental phases. Political patronage of science and technology plays a remarkable role in wealth creation, improvement of the quality of life, and real economic growth and transformation in any society. Industry 4.0 is bringing in a phenomenal change to the way technology is evolving and giving a fillip to the economic growth of early adopters. It is transforming the way companies design, manufacture, and distribute their products. Industry 4.0 is converging diverse modern technologies, and “Robotics and Automation” is one such high-tech field that is finding its way into almost every aspect of our lives.

In the manufacturing sector, Robotics and Automation is a rapidly growing technology that has been replacing human beings from hazardous & unpleasant workspaces, and repetitive & monotonous tasks, and labor- intensive tasks or tasks needing extreme precision or expensive training for humans. The scope of robotics and automation is vast, and it can include effective & efficient manufacturing using robots, remote-controlled machines, intelligent automation solutions, and critical surgeries like knee replacement surgery. In the context of manufacturing, the terms robotics and automation are often used interchangeably. Automation is the process by which machines and controls are programmed to produce a specific process, product, or service giving sequential and autonomous commands. While robotics is often associated with artificial intelligence and automation with computers and programmed devices, both these technological fields have several benefits for manufacturers. Robotics can be used to optimize production by efficiently controlling machines and workers, while automated production lines allow manufacturers to reduce cycle times and improve the quality of their products. Automation can also be used to improve the efficiency of production by increasing the number of tasks performed by machines or operators.

Robotics and Automation integrate the design, erection, and operation of systems and processes with the application of robots coupled with computer-controlled systems, sensory feedback mechanisms, and real-time information processing and corrective action. The design of a robotic and autonomous system brings together principles from diverse fields like Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, and Computer Engineering. For example, in the manufacturing of industrial robots, Mechanical Engineers design the robot's structure, joint mechanisms, bearings, heat transfer characteristics, selection of material, etc. Electrical Engineers take care of the control electronics and power amplifiers, while Computer Engineers design the robot's computing hardware and program it. Robotics & Automation engineering involves design, development, and up-gradation in terms of automating products, systems, and processes in every walk of human life. The curriculum developed by MIT Art, Design, and Technology University consists of the knowledge of the latest technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), 3D Printing, Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR), Cloud Computing, Simulations, Big Data, Intelligent Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Simulation Software, Cyber-Physical Systems to name a few.

Robotics and Automation Engineering is considered a high-end professional career in India and abroad. There are several job openings awaiting for suitably trained candidates in Robotics and Automation Engineering. A Robotic and Automation engineer can be employed in manufacturing plants, laboratories, medical fields, mining, automation sector, life sciences, aerospace engineering, agricultural engineering, software industries, banking sector, gaming industry, etc. It is a highly demanding field of engineering and is rewarding as well in terms of job prospects & job satisfaction. A robotics engineer graduating from top-notch institutions can command a starting placement salary of Rs. 12-15 LPA. The average median placement package for robotics engineers is Rs. 5-6 LPA. Some of the top recruiters of robotic and automation engineers are, Precision Automation Robotics India Limited, TATA, DRDO, BARC, DiFACTO Robotics and Automation, BHEL, NASA, Tech Mahindra Ltd., Kuka Robotics, ISRO, GE India, Cypress Semiconductor, Graphene Health Tech, UTC Aerospace, John Deere, Wabco India, Mercedes Benz India, Moog, Applied Materials, Maruti Suzuki, TCS, WIPRO, Infosys, Amazon, Amazon, Google, ABB, Accenture, HCL Technologies, Dassault Systemes, Comau, Delta Electronics, FANUC, PARI and many more. Robotics and Automation Engineers have great job opportunities in the software field too because programming is the backbone of any intelligent autonomous system which consists of the implementation of AI techniques and IOT, for example, Tesla’s Autonomous Car, UAV, Humanoid Robot, Industrial Robot, CNC, Modern Material Handling System, etc. Robotics and Automation Engineering provides a wide range of opportunities in the research field for the development of special software for the specific application.

At present, manufacturing is one of the most critical industries in the world. It accounts for about one-quarter of all economic activity and employs about one-third of the workforce. The future of manufacturing is exciting and promising. It can provide high-quality, affordable high-quality products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses worldwide. The advancements in Robotics and Automation is fast changing the landscape of manufacturing. The benefits of these technologies are vast and offer manufacturers important benefits like economy and quality. Robotics and automation are not just exciting technologies to keep an eye on; they are also business imperatives. The adoption of robotics and automation will have far-reaching effects on the industry, healthcare and the business world, and also on our lives in general.