Is robotics too narrow compared with mechanical engineering?
Robotics is not necessarily “too narrow” compared with mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineering usually covers a broad range of areas such as materials, thermal and fluid systems, design, and manufacturing. Robotics builds on mechanical engineering while combining it with control, electrical and electronic systems, programming, and sensing. The better choice depends on whether you want broad mechanical foundations or a focus on robots and automation.
Key points
- Mechanical engineering tends to provide broad coverage of machine design, materials, thermal and fluid systems, and manufacturing.
- Robotics often combines mechanical engineering with control, electrical and electronic systems, and computing.
- Future flexibility depends not only on the major’s name, but also on its courses, research areas, and the foundations you want to develop.
Things to check
- The scope and course structure of robotics and mechanical engineering vary by university and department, so check the official curriculum and research areas of each program.