Studying Robotics and Mechatronics

There is more to robots that the talking ones you may have seen in Wall-E or Big Hero 6. But humanoid robots (i.e. those that resemble humans in appearance) are few and far between. The vast majority of them— automatic mail sorters, assembly line robots and surgery robots—look nowhere near like us.

Robots are a special type of machines that are programmed to do more than one type of tasks. While a door bell is designed to only ring, a robotic arm at a car manufacturing plant can decide where to install different parts on a car.

The study, design and production of these intelligent machines or robots fall under the ambit of robotics. Robotics is a multidisciplinary field, encompassing elements of computer science, mechanical engineering and electronic engineering. Closely related to this is another field called mechatronics. This field is a hybrid of electronic and mechanical engineering.

Australian universities deliver well-organised, industry-relevant programmes that are valued by employers. In fact, most of the programmes are embedded with a work experience option, which involves either undertaking a work placement or completing a suitable project at an external organisation or company.

Several of Australia’s 37 universities offer programmes in robotics, mechatronics or a joint degree in both.

Some of the universities where you could study are:

• RMIT University
• University of Adelaide
• University of Wollongong
• University of Melbourne
• Australian National University

Salary and Career Prospects

Robotics and mechatronics graduates are employed chiefly by technology companies like IBM, Google, Intel and Cisco.

Some of the roles graduates take up are Mechatronics Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Robotics Process Automation Engineer and Controls Engineer.

Salaries vary depending on qualifications, job role, location and experience. As a guide, robotics and mechatronic engineering professionals earn around an average of $95,000 a year (48 lakhs INR).

Why study in Australia?

Australia has cemented its place as one of the best study destinations for international students. There are 37 universities in Australia; with 7 featuring in top 100 and 15 in top 250 in QS World Rankings 2019.

Tourism, financial services, education, mining and agriculture are the largest sectors in Australia. Prominent IT and technology companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, in addition to home grown brands like Atlassian, Gridware, Aconex operate in Australia. Cities of Melbourne and Sydney have a thriving start-up and innovation landscape.

Australians enjoy year-round good weather, high salaries, access to spectacular beaches and a healthy work-life balance. The country is vast and beautiful and has something to offer for everybody, be that opera, music concerts, films, outdoor activities or beaches and surfing.

International graduates are typically offered post-study work visas of up to 3 years upon graduation.