Robotics Engineering

The robotics engineering program at Bowling Green State University prepares students to become leaders in the robotics and automation industries. The future-focused robotics engineering curriculum offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary perspective on the rapidly growing field of robotics, combining several branches of engineering, including computer, mechanical, electrical and electronics engineering.

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Gain real-world technical skills by working with industrial training robots in the state-of-the-art Robotics Laboratory.

Quality classroom experiences

Bowling Green State University boasts a state-of-the-art robotics learning facility designed to foster both intensive hands-on training and groundbreaking research. The Robotics Laboratory’s classrooms are more than just traditional learning spaces; they are hubs of innovation. Designed to be both instructional and interactive, students are able to effortlessly toggle between theory and hands-on experimentation.

This facility represents the forefront of innovation, mirroring the advancements that are revolutionizing the robotics industry.

Highlights of the BGSU Robotics Laboratory

Industrial 4.0 Robot Systems: These next-generation robots follow the principles of Industry 4.0. They are connected, automated and self-optimized, representing the height of modern manufacturing processes.

Programmable AGV Platforms: Automated Guided Vehicles may be programmed for a range of tasks. These platforms introduce learners to the fundamentals of material movement and warehouse automation.

Collaborative Vehicle Studio: This innovative space is dedicated to the study and development of collaborative vehicles, especially those that can operate with humans and other systems in a shared environment.

Collaborative Material Handling Systems: Focusing on the logistics and manufacturing sectors, these systems demonstrate how robots can work alongside humans to enhance efficiency and safety in material handling tasks.

Machine Vision Systems: Advanced vision systems empower robots to 'see' and interpret their surroundings. These systems introduce students to the world of image processing, object detection and robotic guidance.

Sensors and Actuators: This section dives deep into the crucial sensors and actuators that allow robots to perceive their environment and then act upon that information.

Automation and Network Devices: Reflecting the interconnected world of today, this area focuses on the devices that allow various robotic systems to communicate, ensuring seamless integration and synchronization.

Control Systems: Central to the program, control systems are the heart of robotics. Students learn how to design, develop and optimize the systems that control robotic movements and operations.

Mechatronics Systems: The mechatronics systems blend mechanical, electronics and computer engineering to provide a holistic view of robot design, from the physical hardware to the embedded software that drives a robot.

Stand Out in courses like

Industrial Robotics and Automation
System Dynamics
Robotic Control Systems
Robot Operating Systems
Machine Vision in Robotics
Machine Learning for Autonomous Systems
Microfabrication and Semiconductor
Biomedical Device Technology
MEMS Finite Element Analysis
Introduction to Robotics: Kinematics

Curriculum

With an emphasis on hands-on learning, courses are both classroom and lab-based. Students gain real-world technical skills by working with industrial training robots in the state-of-the-art Robotics Laboratory.

The robotics engineering program consists of 122 credit hours. The program core includes 24 credit hours of general engineering courses and 30 credit hours of robotics courses. The program also requires 12 credit hours of engineering electives, 48-49 hours of other required courses to satisfy ABET math and science requirements.

Students are required to complete two, paid cooperative education experiences where they work in an industry-setting. Students gain valuable real-world experience and begin building their professional network.

With a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights, robotics engineering students are well-equipped to launch careers in this critical field in Ohio and beyond.

Experiential learning and career prospects

The robotics program is full of hands-on experience augmented by the laboratory classes, research projects, cooperative education and industry-sponsored senior design projects. Our senior design project is focused on solving real world industry problems in a multi-disciplinary group setting. All these experiences ensure our graduates are ready on day one of their careers.

Upon graduation, robotics engineering graduates may look forward to a range of promising career opportunities in well-compensated engineering positions. Ohio’s growing technological hub is home to several companies – including numerous manufacturing companies – that regularly recruit robotics engineers. Many of our students receive job offers in their senior years.

Professional organizations

The robotics engineering students may continue their learning journey by joining professional organizations such as Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), International Society of Automation (ISA), and IEEE Robotics and Automation Society.

GO FAR in your career

Robotics Engineer
Mechatronics Engineer
Automation Systems Designer
AI and Machine Learning Engineer
Robotic Process Automation Developer
Unmanned Vehicle Engineer
Robotics Software Engineer
Human-Robot Interaction Engineer
Robotics Startup Founder
Field Robotics Engineer
Agricultural Robotics Engineer

More information

The Robotics Engineering program is part of the School of Engineering in the BGSU College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering.

Student Outcomes

By the time of graduation, the students in the robotics engineering program at Bowling Green State University will have the following capabilities, also known as Student Outcomes (SO) in accreditation term.

SO-1: an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
SO-2: an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
SO-3: an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
SO-4: an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
SO-5: an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
SO-6: an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze, and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
SO-7: an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Accreditation

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012 - 2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

More information on accreditation

Professional Licensure

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Robotics Engineering program does lead to professional licensure.

More information on professional licensure

Gainful Employment

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Robotics Engineering program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.

* Job placement and salary information was compiled by the Office of Academic Assessment through the Graduation Survey from AY2015-2018. The data are gathered around the time of Commencement and a follow-up survey six months post Commencement. For the salary question, data for programs with fewer than fifteen responses are not included. Salaries for those programs are from the National Association of Colleges and Employers Summer 2019 Survey. For questions regarding the data, contact assessment@bgsu.edu.

Updated: 09/19/2023 04:05PM