How a handful of companies is forging

the future of Robotics Engineering

#robotics are going to be
a critical part of how we
solve the big problems of
the future. Unfortunately,
its still an immature
industry, hampered by a
lack of standards, a focus
on
proprietary #hardware a
nd #software, and no
institutionalized
mechanism for sharing
knowledge
among
engineers.
If you want to study
robotics #engineering in
university, you currently
have to pull knowledge
and skills from three
different
disciplines:
computer
science,
electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. There is no university curriculum thats fully
focused on robotics, so it takes some time for young robotics engineers to get up to speed. As a
result, young engineers are entering the workforce with little practical experience, and employers
cant count on getting a standardized, well-defined skill set from new hires.
However, several companies are now working to bridge that gap, with NewBotic Corporation, led
by Craig Doherty, heading up the movement.
NewBotic Corp. is creating design laboratories and hands on workshops, called Robotories, in
connection with major technical universities so that young engineers will be able to get guidance
from older and more experienced engineers. This will allow them to gather all the knowledge and
skills they need in order to solve the large, complex problems awaiting them upon their
employment. The goal is to harness the passion young engineers have for robotics and to make it
easier for companies to find qualified robotics engineers.
But NewBotic is just one player in what appears to be a growing movement among engineering
companies towards unifying the curriculum for robotics and providing greater robotics skills to
upcoming engineers. Heres a look at some of the other efforts underway:
Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) is another firm that not only develops and builds
automation robotics technologies but builds engineering careers. The company has a threepronged approach. It partners with technological universities to develop future engineers by
exposing them to real work experience while still studying; it engages with Robotics Clubs to
encourage interested and talented high school students to pursue automation careers; and it finds
and connects with experienced professionals who can bring their experience and knowledge to the
AMT robotic engineering team. AMTs Automation Academy accelerates the learning curve of its
new engineers and staff through lectures, assessments, and challenging real life laboratory
assignments. After exposure and training in The Automation Academy, engineers are matched with
senior engineers in the field who continue the on-job training and mentoring.

FANUC America Corp. shares a similar vision. It claims to have the most complete range of
innovative robotics, CNC systems, and factory automation solutions for many different industries,
including food, agriculture, aerospace, construction, pharmaceuticals, education, and more. The
companys training programs provide formal training solutions for their internal and external
customer base. Its training center offers Train-the-Trainer-Program (TIT), Customized Product
Training, Web Based Training Programs, and Distributor Training Programs. It has eight classrooms,
a training lab, and more than 45 robots for hands-on training. The firm is licensed by the State of
Michigan Proprietary School for Robotic Training. The FANUC Training is also an authorized provider
for the International Association for Continuing Education (IACET), thus it can issue Continuing
Education Unit credits.
iRobot offers robots for business and the defense and security industries. Its home robots are
revolutionizing the way individuals clean inside and out. Its RP-VITA, a roving communications
protocol, allows a doctor to visit a patient without leaving his or her office, thus facilitating more
doctor-patient face-time. The company says it is committed to building a future for Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education in the country. Its STEM outreach includes
classroom visits, events, internships, career introduction, and mentoring.
MTAB USA LLC (Exinz International LLC) offers simulation solutions on skills development and
special machine solutions. Aside from offering a variety of products, it has several e-learning and
m-training solutions in its field of expertise, manufacturing automation.
These companies have different approaches, but theyre united by their drive to train, mentor, and
coach new engineers in robotics.
Unfortunately, the robotics industry is still a feudal industry, and robotics brands dont play nicely
with each other, but I am hoping that in the near future there will be a sort of standardization
similar to what now exists in the microchip industry. This would facilitate tremendous growth in
both the robotic and manufacturing industries.
The Robotic Industries Association estimates that about 90 percent of U.S. companies that could
benefit from the use of robots or robotic systems are still out of the loop. Only 10 percent of them
have installed any robot so far.
I share Dohertys vision for the future of robotics engineering and hope that well see roboticsspecific training programs continue to grow so that baby boomers with knowledge and expertise in
robotics can have an interchange of ideas and knowledge with the younger generations.
David Drake is an early-stage equity expert and the founder and chairman of LDJ Capital, a New
York City private equity advisory firm, and The Soho Loft The Voice of Capital Formation, a
global financial media company with divisions in Corporate Communications, Publishing and Expos
& Events. You can reach him at David@LDJCapital.com.
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