Exploring Engineering Streams for Robotics Enthusiasts: Computer Science vs. Mechanical
My son is genuinely interested in the robotics line. A common question is whether to pursue a stream in computer science or mechanical. While the choice depends on specific interests and goals, I have some insights from my background in instrumentation and electronics, especially the intricate needs of todayrsquo;s convergent industry.
Instrumentation and Electronics: A Less-Romanticized but Crucial Discipline
In my view, the best option would be instrumentation and/or electronics, particularly the instrumentation stream. This branch, also known as Instrumentation Control Electronic Instrumentation (ENI) at BITS or Instrumentation Engineering in most state colleges, is often undervalued and misunderstood. It is a multi-disciplinary field that encompasses a broad spectrum of engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, and computer sciences.
Instrumentation is highly relevant in todayrsquo;s industry, particularly in electronics and computers. It bridges the gap between the physical world and the digital domain, making it an essential part of modern engineering. If your son is interested in working with pre-designed and built robots, traditional computer science, mechanical, and electrical engineering can be learned more easily on the job.
Designing and Building Robots: A More Complex Pursuit
If yoursquo;re looking to design and build robots, you would need to explore a variety of disciplines. In this case, a composite approach would be beneficial. However, mechanical engineering is critical for understanding how to move parts, while electrical engineering is vital for designing and controlling the machine. For me, electrical engineering was the easiest to learn, as understanding AC/DC theory and logic gates simplifies the learning process.
In my experience, mechanical and electrical engineering were more intuitive and followed known laws and basic physics, whereas computer engineering, being a human-designed domain, introduces a plethora of programming languages. Despite my weak spot in programming, these insights guide the development of complex systems, as seen in my various jobs where I had to work with hydraulic and electric actuators.
The Role of Each Discipline in Robotics
Robotics, as a field, relies on a comprehensive understanding of multiple disciplines. If yoursquo;re interested in working in industrial robotics, you will need to consider the following aspects:
Buying and Mounting Robots: Most industrial robots are off the shelf. Once installed, additional steps are required to make them functional.
Designing Tooling: Mechanical engineers (ME) must design, procure, and install the necessary tooling to be attached to the robot. This is the first step in making the robot useful for specific tasks.
Programming Robots: This is typically the next step, tasked to either programmers or engineers who are skilled in robotics programming. Proper programming is essential to ensure that the robot can perform tasks accurately and efficiently.
The role of each discipline in robotics is crucial. Mechanical and electrical engineers ensure the physical and electrical aspects of the robot, while computer scientists and software engineers handle the programming and software development. Together, they create a cohesive and functional robot that meets the needs of industry and research.
Conclusion
The choice between computer science and mechanical engineering depends on your sonrsquo;s specific interests and career goals. For traditional robotics where robots are pre-designed and built, a combined approach with a focus on mechanical and electrical engineering can be beneficial. However, for designing and building robots, a more comprehensive understanding of multiple disciplines is required.
In conclusion, while instrumentation and electronics are often overlooked, they play a vital role in modern engineering. The interdisciplinary nature of these fields makes them well-suited for those interested in working in robotics, whether in design, development, or application.