robotics-engineer/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — robotics engineer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 17-2199.08 (Robotics Engineers).

Task statements

• [Core] Supervise technologists, technicians, or other engineers.
• [Core] Integrate robotics with peripherals, such as welders, controllers, or other equipment.
• [Core] Provide technical support for robotic systems.
• [Core] Review or approve designs, calculations, or cost estimates.
• [Core] Make system device lists or event timing charts.
• [Core] Document robotic application development, maintenance, or changes.
• [Core] Write algorithms or programming code for ad hoc robotic applications.
• [Core] Create back-ups of robot programs or parameters.
• [Core] Process or interpret signals or sensor data.
• [Core] Investigate mechanical failures or unexpected maintenance problems.
• [Core] Install, calibrate, operate, or maintain robots.
• [Core] Debug robotics programs.
• [Core] Design end-of-arm tooling.
• [Core] Conduct research on robotic technology to create new robotic systems or system capabilities.
• [Core] Conduct research into the feasibility, design, operation, or performance of robotic mechanisms, components, or systems, such as planetary rovers, multiple mobile robots, reconfigurable robots, or man-machine interactions.
• [Core] Design automated robotic systems to increase production volume or precision in high-throughput operations, such as automated ribonucleic acid (RNA) analysis or sorting, moving, or stacking production materials.
• [Core] Design software to control robotic systems for applications, such as military defense or manufacturing.
• [Core] Design robotic systems, such as automatic vehicle control, autonomous vehicles, advanced displays, advanced sensing, robotic platforms, computer vision, or telematics systems.
• [Core] Build, configure, or test robots or robotic applications.
• [Core] Evaluate robotic systems or prototypes.
• [Supplemental] Plan mobile robot paths and teach path plans to robots.
• [Supplemental] Automate assays on laboratory robotics.
• [Supplemental] Design or program robotics systems for environmental clean-up applications to minimize human exposure to toxic or hazardous materials or to improve the quality or speed of clean-up operations.
• [Supplemental] Design robotics applications for manufacturers of green products, such as wind turbines or solar panels, to increase production time, eliminate waste, or reduce costs.

Detailed work activities

• Advise customers on the use of products or services.
• Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
• Design electromechanical equipment or systems.
• Design industrial equipment.
• Design industrial processing systems.
• Develop operational methods or processes that use green materials or emphasize sustainability.
• Develop software or computer applications.
• Document technical design details.
• Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.
• Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.
• Install production equipment or systems.
• Interpret design or operational test results.
• Investigate system, equipment, or product failures.
• Maintain operational records or records systems.
• Operate industrial equipment.
• Prepare operational reports.
• Program robotic equipment.
• Research advanced engineering designs or applications.
• Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
• Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.