How to Become a Robotics Engineer? 8 Steps, Skills, and Careers for 2025

Did you know Xpeng Motors is investing $13.8 billion in humanoid development, and its Iron robot is already working in an automotive factory?

This innovation aims to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs by automating complex tasks in production lines.

To become a robotics engineer, you need to establish a solid educational foundation in robotics subjects, including control systems, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Programming languages such as Python, C++, and Java are also essential.

The industrial robotics market in India is expected to reach $2.5 billion by 2030, driving the need for experts. Working as a robotics engineer, specialization is required in areas such as mobility locomotion, sensing and perception, operator interface, manipulators and effectors, and programming. 

This blog explores what is robotics engineering and how to become one in 2025. You will learn about  their roles, certifications required and their salary in India.

How to Become a Robotics Engineer? 8 Steps to Success

What is robotic engineering and who is a robotics engineer? Robotics engineers work using AutoCAD for designing detailed 2D and 3D models of robotic components and programming languages like C++ and Python to write and optimize code that controls robotic systems and ensures efficient operation. You will also work with robotics frameworks like ROS to enhance the robots' capabilities and performance. 

Want to upgrade your robotics career? The following top-tier courses from upGrad will help you update and enhance your knowledge in robotics:

• Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
• Masters in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - IIITB Program
• Executive Diploma in Machine Learning and AI with IIIT-B

How Robotic Systems are Different from Traditional Mechanical Systems?

Conventional mechanical systems rely on rigid, predefined instructions, whereas robotic systems are typically equipped with sensors, controllers, and artificial intelligence (AI) to make autonomous decisions. This enables robots to adapt to dynamic environments, handle multiple tasks, and interact intelligently with their surroundings. 

Now, you have learned what is robotics engineering​, let’s understand how to become a robotic engineer in India.

Step 1: Establish a Solid Educational Background with Robotic Engineering Subject

To become a robotics engineer, you need a solid foundation in robotics engineering subjects like control systems, AI, machine learning, and mechanical design. Let’s understand more about these subjects:

Domains to Learn:

• Control Systems: Understand the principles behind controlling robotic movements and behavior. For instance, PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control, feedback loops, and stability analysis for motion control. Also learns algorithms for controlling various actuators, motors, and sensors that govern robot functions.
• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: How robots can learn and make decisions autonomously. You will learn ML algorithms such as reinforcement learning and deep learning. It also includes computer vision and NLP.
• Mechanical Design & Kinematics: How robots are designed and how they move and interact with their environment. You learn design methodologies such as solid modeling, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) techniques, and kinematics analysis to calculate movement and positioning. Topics like robotic arms, geometric transformations, and workspace analysis are key to understanding how robots function in physical spaces.
• Sensors & Perception: Technology that allows robots to sense and interpret their surroundings. You will learn how LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors, and infrared sensors are used for distance measurement, object detection, and navigation. Sensor fusion techniques to integrate data from multiple sensors is also included.
• Robotic Programming: Programming languages like C++, Python, and ROS for controlling robots. This also includes how to write efficient control algorithms, interface with hardware components, and implement real-time systems for robot behavior.
• Embedded Systems: Understand the integration of hardware and software in robotics. Focusing on how embedded systems like FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), microcontrollers, and Raspberry Pi are used in robotics. Topics like real-time operating systems (RTOS) and system-on-chip (SoC) design are also explored.

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By focusing on these key robotics engineering subjects and utilizing available resources, you'll be well on your way to establishing a solid foundation.

Step 2: Learn Key Programming Languages

Knowing key programming languages is the first and foundational step of  building a career in automation and robotics engineering. C++ is used for real-time control and efficient low-level hardware interaction. Python is ideal for high-level programming and AI integration. Whereas, Java supports cross-platform development and GUI interfaces for robotic systems. Learning these languages equips you to develop, simulate, and optimize complex robotic systems.

Key Programming Languages to Learn:

• C++: Widely used for real-time robotics control and high-performance applications. You can learn C++ from C++ official website cplusplus.com, or online platforms like upGrad and books like C++ Robotics Programming.
• Python: Popular for its simplicity and extensive libraries, especially in AI, machine learning, and robotics frameworks like ROS. You can learn from Python official website python.org, and online platforms such as upGrad.
• Java: Used for building platform-independent applications in robotics. Learn Java on the official website oracle.com, and also upGrad for hands-on learning.
• MATLAB: Ideal for mathematical modeling, control design, and data analysis in robotics. Visit MathWorks official site mathworks.com,  for learning MATLAB.
• VHDL/Verilog: Important for designing hardware components and FPGA programming and simulating digital circuits. You can learn Verilog and VHDL by joining institutes such as NIELIT. Or CETPA.
• ROS (Robot Operating System): A flexible framework for building robot applications, supporting various languages like Python and C++.. Learn ROS at its official website, official website wiki.ros.org,

Also Read: 52+ Top Verilog Interview Questions Every Candidate Should Know in 2025

Step 3: Familiarize Yourself with Big Data Tools and Platforms

Big data tools and platforms help robots process and analyze sensor data, optimize performance, and enable advanced machine learning applications. This is one of the most important robotics engineering subjects​ as robots have to access vast amounts of raw data from their sensors.

Key Big Data Tools and Platforms to Learn:

• Apache Hadoop: A framework for distributed storage and processing of large datasets enabling efficient handling of big data.
• Apache Spark:  Used for real-time data processing and advanced analytics, offering high-speed processing of large volumes of data, essential for robotics systems requiring quick decision-making.
• MongoDB: A NoSQL database for handling unstructured data, such as sensor data from robots, and robotic sensors.
• TensorFlow: A machine learning platform for training models with large data sets, especially in AI-driven robotics. It helps in  image recognition or motion planning.
• Apache Kafka: A tool for building real-time data pipelines and streaming applications, allowing continuous data flow from robots’ sensors to analysis systems for instant feedback and action.
• DataRobot: An automated machine learning platform for building predictive models in robotics. Used for data-driven decision-making and improve robot performance through advanced AI models.

ProTip: To enhance your robotics knowledge, explore documentation and tutorials for tools like Apache Spark and TensorFlow. Engage with online communities and forums like Stack Overflow and Reddit.

Also Read: Explore the Top 10 Big Data Tools for Businesses

By learning about Big Data tools, you’ll learn how to become a robotics engineer.

Step 4: Strengthen Your Database Management Knowledge

A solid grasp of robotics engineering and database systems is necessary to manage and optimize the data effectively. Proper database management ensures efficient storage, quick retrieval, and consistency of the data. This is essential for accurate decision-making and maintaining system integrity across dynamic environments.

Key Database Management Concepts to Learn:

• SQL (Structured Query Language): Essential for managing relational databases and querying structured data. Enabling precise control over how data is stored, accessed, and updated.
• NoSQL Databases: Important for handling unstructured data generated by sensors and other robotic systems (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra). Allowing flexible storage and rapid scaling.
• Data Modeling: Understanding how to structure and organize data for efficient storage and retrieval. This is critical for ensuring fast access to large datasets.
• Database Optimization: Learn techniques to optimize database performance, (e.g: indexing and query optimization), to improve the speed and efficiency of data retrieval and ensure minimal latency.
• Cloud Databases: Familiarize yourself with cloud-based solutions like AWS RDS, Google Cloud SQL, and Azure Cosmos DB for scalable storage for for scalable storage, providing high availability.

ProTip: Explore official documentation for databases like MySQL, MongoDB, and PostgreSQL to deepen your understanding. Use practice platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, and SQLZoo for hands-on experience with database-related challenges.

Step 5: Sharpen Your Data Engineering Abilities

A strong grasp of data engineering will allow you to design efficient pipelines for data flow and integration. Understanding techniques in data cleaning, normalization, and transformation is essential to ensure that the data is accurate and usable for decision-making processes.

Key Data Engineering Concepts to Learn:

• Data Pipelines: Learn how to design and manage data flows between systems, ensuring smooth data transfer and processing. This includes automating data ingestion from sensors and ensuring real-time accessibility for analysis and decision-making.
• ETL (Extract, Transform, Load): Understand how to extract data, transform it for analysis, and load it into databases or data warehouses. Learning ETL ensures that data is structured and ready for machine learning or AI model training.
• Batch & Stream Processing: Learn the difference between batch processing for large data sets and stream processing real-time data. 
• Data Integration: Gain skills in integrating data from various sources, including sensors, databases, and external systems. This involves harmonizing disparate data types and formats into a unified system that supports seamless analysis and reporting.
• Big Data Frameworks: Work with frameworks like Apache Hadoop and Spark to manage large-scale data processing in robotics applications.  These tools enable efficient storage, processing, and analysis of vast amounts of sensor data generated by robots.

ProTip: Explore tutorials and documentation for tools like Apache Kafka, Airflow, and Apache Flink for real-time data engineering, and use platforms like GitHub and Kaggle to practice with real-world data engineering projects and datasets.

Step 6: Apply Your Skills Through Practical Projects

As you progress in robotics engineering, you can apply what you've learned by participating in hands-on projects. Working on real-world simulations will give you experience in how to become a robotics engineer. As a student, graduate or working professional, you can use the following methods.

Types of Practical Projects to Consider:

• Work on Simulation Projects: Use robotics simulation software like Gazebo or V-REP to design and test robots. It will allow you to experiment with robotic algorithms and behaviors without the need for physical hardware.
• Collaborate on Open-Source Projects: Participate in open-source robotics projects on platforms like GitHub to develop simple root robot using Arduino or Raspberry Pi kits.
• Build a Simple Robot: Start with basic robots like line-following robots or robotic arms to understand core principles.
• Participate in Competitions: Join robotics competitions like FIRST Robotics or RoboCup to apply your skills in a competitive environment.

Step 7: Earn Certifications and Keep Learning

To stay ahead, deep knowledge and continuous learning are essential in the industry. Ongoing education ensures you remain up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in robotics. Here are the few certifications to consider:

Key Certifications to Consider:

• Certified LabVIEW Developer: Demonstrates proficiency in designing and managing control systems and robotics applications using LabVIEW. This certification is valuable for those working with automated systems and data acquisition in robotics. You can earn this certification through National Instruments.
• ROS Certification: Validates your expertise in using the Robot Operating System (ROS), a widely-used framework in robotics for software development and integration. ROS certification proves your ability to design and deploy robotic systems effectively. Available through The Construct or ROS Industrial.
• Certified Robotics Programmer (CRP): Recognizes your ability to program robotic systems. Ensures you can write and debug code to control robotic movements and tasks. It is beneficial for those working with industrial robots and programmable controllers. Offered by The Robotics Certification Standards Consortium (RCSC).
• AWS Certified Machine Learning: Provides expertise in using Amazon Web Services (AWS) for data processing and deploying machine learning models. It is crucial for integrating AI capabilities into robotics. Ideal for robotics engineers working on cloud-based robotics applications and data-driven tasks. Available through Amazon Web Services.
• Certified Automation Professional (CAP): Recognizes your skills in automation, including manufacturing, process control, and industrial systems. This certification shows knowledge in automation principles, design, and implementation. Offered by The International Society of Automation (ISA).

ProTip: Attend workshops, conferences like ICRA or RoboBusiness, and join webinars or online communities on platforms like Meetup and Eventbrite to stay updated and network with experts in the field.

Step 8: Connect with Experts in the Field of Automation and Robotics Engineering

Networking with experts in automation and robotics engineering can accelerate your journey in robotics engineering. Building relationships with industry leaders, engineers, and researchers will not only provide valuable insights but also open up opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and career advancement.

Ways to Connect with Experts:

• LinkedIn:
  • Connect with robotics professionals and engage in relevant discussions.
  • Join robotics groups and share articles or your work to enhance visibility.
• Industry Conferences & Meetups:
  • Attend events like Advances in Robotics (AIR), ICRA India Edition, and other regional robotics conferences to network and learn from experts.
  • Participate in workshops and panel discussions for hands-on experience and insights.
• Online Forums & Communities:
  • Join platforms like Reddit (r/robotics), Stack Overflow, and GitHub to connect with peers and experienced engineers.
  • Participate in Q&A sessions, share knowledge, and collaborate on open-source projects.
• University Labs & Research Groups:
  • Engage with professors, researchers, and fellow students in university robotics programs.
  • Collaborate on academic papers, projects, and research initiatives.

In these 8 steps, we have covered: what is robotics engineering, key robotics engineering subjects and tactics to follow. But why should you become a robotics engineer?

Key Reasons to Become a Robotics Engineer!

As India invests more in automation and Industry 4.0 technologies, promising career opportunities are created in robotics engineering. The Indian industrial robotics market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 13% from 2025 to 2030. 

• High Demand and Job Growth: By 2030, some of the fastest-growing job roles are expected to include Big Data Specialists, AI and Machine Learning Experts, and Robotics Engineers.
• Continuous Learning: As it is an emerging technology, robotics engineering offers the opportunity to work on innovative projects, such as humanoids and self-driving cars. It is suitable for people who love continuous learning and brainstorming with competitive salaries.
• Diverse Career Paths: Robotics engineers can specialize in industries such as AI, automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, automation, space exploration, hardware development, or software engineering. For instance, creating surgical robots like the Da Vinci system to enable minimally invasive surgeries.

Case Study:

• Adoption in Automotive and Manufacturing: Robotics is increasingly integrated into automotive manufacturing, including advancements like self-driving cars, revolutionizing production lines. For instance automotive sector saw an increase of 139% in the installations of humanoid robots.
• Humanoid Robots: The country saw 8,510 new robot installations, marking an impressive 59% growth compared to the previous year.
• Soft Robotics: Soft robotics, utilizing flexible materials to mimic biological systems, is transforming industries by enhancing robot safety and efficiency while enabling safer human interaction. The soft robotic manufacturing market worldwide is expected to reach an estimated $8.80 billion by 2030.

Must-Have Skills for Robotics Engineers

To succeed as a robotics engineer, you need a combination of technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. Robotics is an interdisciplinary field, which requires deep knowledge in multiple branches of engineering, mechatronics, AI and machine learning. 

This table defines the skills needed to become a robotic engineer:

By learning these core skills, you'll be well-equipped to thrive in the field of automation and robotics engineering. Next, let’s have a detailed look at robotics engineering salary in India. 

Robotics Engineers Salary in India and Career Opportunities for 2025

India has seen a remarkable rise in the adoption of robots, with a 59% increase in installations in 2023, making it the seventh-largest global market for robotics. With the market surge, the salary for robotic engineering professionals in India also witnessed a hike due to the increased demand for a skilled workforce.

Robotic Engineering Salary in India According to Job Role

In India, robotics engineering salary in India vary depending the job role and experience. Let’s look at robotics engineering salary in India for top 5 job roles in India

Source: Glassdoor, Ambition Box

Robotic Engineering Salary in India According to Recruiters

The salary can vary according to the recruiter. The larger companies often offer higher salaries due to their resources and project scale. Let’s look at robotics engineering salary in India for different recruiters:

Source: Glassdoor, Ambition Box

Build a Successful Career in Robotics Engineering with upGrad

A robotics engineer requires expertise in a wide range of subjects like, Database, bigdata, FPGA, VHDl, Verilog, Java, Python and C++ . upGrad provides you with hands- on training and courses to acquire these critical skills through expert-led live classes and hands-on project experience.

With over 10 million learners, 200+ programs, and 1,400+ hiring partners, upGrad offers flexible learning paths tailored for both students and working professionals. Even if you're a fresher or an experienced professional seeking a career change, upGrad provides you with the necessary tools and resources for your need.

Apart from above courses here are few additional courses for your upskilling:

• Advanced Generative AI Certification Course
• Master the Future of Data with Microsoft 365 Copilot
• Learn Basic Python Programming
• Core Java Basics

Enhance your career with upGrad’s personalised counselling, resume workshops, and interview coaching. You can visit upGrad offline centers and get direct, expert guidance to help you reach your career goals faster.

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