Robotics

The Georgia Institute of Technology offers a comprehensive and innovative undergraduate degree program in Robotics Engineering designed to prepare students for the rapidly advancing field of robotics technology. This multidisciplinary program integrates principles from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and systems engineering to equip students with a broad skill set necessary for designing, developing, and deploying robotic systems across various industries. Throughout the curriculum, students engage in hands-on learning through labs, projects, and research opportunities that focus on areas such as autonomous systems, robot design, sensors and control systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and embedded systems. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, enabling graduates to tackle real-world challenges in sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, space exploration, and service industries. Students also have access to cutting-edge facilities and laboratories, fostering innovation and research collaborations. The curriculum is regularly updated to incorporate the latest technological advancements and industry trends, ensuring students are well-prepared for the workforce or advanced studies. Cooperative education (co-op) and internship programs are strongly encouraged, providing valuable industry experience and professional development opportunities. Georgia Tech’s strong ties with industry partners and research institutions facilitate networking and employment prospects after graduation. Graduates of the Robotics Engineering program are equipped to join leading technology companies, start their own ventures, or pursue graduate studies in robotics, automation, or related fields. With a commitment to fostering innovation, scientific inquiry, and practical skills, this program aims to produce versatile engineers capable of advancing the future of robotics technology worldwide.

Students pursuing a PhD in Robotics must take 36 semester hours of core research and elective courses, pass a comprehensive qualifying exam with written and oral components, and successfully complete, document, and defend a piece of original research culminating in a doctoral thesis. Students select a home school, such as ECE, AE, ME, or IC, and apply for admission to the PhD program in robotics through that home school.

Program Requirements for Bachelor of Science in Robotics at Georgia Institute of Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Robotics at Georgia Tech is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of robotics engineering, combining coursework in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and systems integration. To graduate with this degree, students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, including core curriculum, major coursework, and electives.

Freshmen are required to undertake foundational courses in calculus, physics, introduction to computing, and engineering principles. As they progress, students must complete specialized courses such as Robotics Systems, Autonomous Robots, Control Systems, Microcontroller Design, and Machine Learning for Robotics. Laboratory components are integrated throughout the curriculum to ensure hands-on experience in robot design, programming, and testing.

Students are also expected to participate in design projects and capstone experiences that involve multidisciplinary teamwork on real-world robotics applications. Electives enable students to explore areas such as artificial intelligence, computer vision, human-robot interaction, and embedded systems. Furthermore, internships and industry-sponsored projects are highly encouraged to enhance practical skills and industry readiness.

The program emphasizes safety protocols, ethical considerations, and the societal impact of robotics technology. To ensure a well-rounded education, students must also complete general education requirements mandated by Georgia Tech, including communication skills, humanities, and social sciences.

In addition to coursework, students may be required to attend seminars, workshops, and conferences related to robotics research and development. They must also maintain a minimum GPA (typically 2.0 or higher) in all major courses. Successful completion of a final year design project and comprehensive examinations concludes the degree requirements, preparing graduates for careers in robotics engineering, research, or advanced studies.

Financing for the Robotics program at the Georgia Institute of Technology is designed to support eligible students through a variety of funding opportunities. Graduate students enrolled in the program may have access to teaching assistantships (TAs), research assistantships (RAs), and departmental scholarships that provide tuition waivers and stipends. These assistantships are typically awarded based on academic performance, research potential, and the availability of faculty-sponsored projects. Additionally, the institute offers fellowships and competitive scholarships that can significantly reduce the financial burden for outstanding students. International students are encouraged to explore specific scholarship options tailored for international applicants, which may include merit-based awards and need-based financial aid. For undergraduate students pursuing a Robotics minor or concentration, funding options are more limited but may include institutional scholarships, external grants, or work-study opportunities. The Georgia Tech Financial Aid Office provides comprehensive resources and guidance to help students identify and apply for available funding sources, including federal and state financial aid programs, corporate sponsorships, and private scholarships. Furthermore, some students may qualify for student loans through federal programs, which offer flexible repayment options. The university emphasizes a commitment to making engineering education accessible and financially feasible for motivated students. Financings are awarded annually and require application through the university’s official channels, with deadlines aligned with academic calendar dates. Prospective students should consult the Georgia Tech website and contact the financial aid office for detailed and current information about available funding, application procedures, and eligibility criteria, ensuring they can secure the financial support necessary to pursue their studies in Robotics.

The Georgia Institute of Technology offers comprehensive degree programs in Robotics through its College of Engineering, primarily within the School of Mechanical Engineering. The Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering with a focus on Robotics provides students with a strong foundation in the principles of mechanical systems, control systems, and automation, preparing them for careers in designing, developing, and managing robotic systems across various industries. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratories, design projects, and collaborations with industry partners, allowing students to gain practical skills in robotics hardware and software, embedded systems, and sensor integration.

Graduate students can pursue a Master of Science or a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with specializations in Robotics or Autonomous Systems. These advanced degrees offer coursework and research opportunities in areas such as robotic perception, manipulation, navigation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, enabling students to contribute to cutting-edge developments in autonomous vehicles, manufacturing automation, medical robotics, and service robots. The university collaborates with research centers like the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines (IRIM), which fosters innovation and interdisciplinary research in robotics, artificial intelligence, and cyber-physical systems.

Georgia Tech's campus provides state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with the latest robotic platforms, including mobile robots, robotic arms, and simulation environments. The program also involves industry partnerships, internships, and cooperative education (co-op) programs that give students real-world experience and improve employment prospects after graduation. Graduates of Georgia Tech's robotics programs are well-positioned for careers in research, development, manufacturing, and engineering roles in technology companies, research labs, aerospace, healthcare, and automotive industries worldwide. The university's strong focus on innovation, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration ensures that students develop both technical expertise and problem-solving skills critical for advancing robotics technology and applications.