Sir, I am confused so as to take up which branch. I want to study robotics in future, so which one of the four ( CSE , ME, EEE, ECE ) would provide me the best base which would help me pursue higher studies in robotics?Thanking You Amrit Kochar

This specialised subject ‘Robotics’ is available for higher study in M.E. or M.Tech.-level programmes. Therefore one should obtain a B.E./ B.Tech. degree preferably in Mechanical or Electrical or Electronics Communication or Computer Engineering branches.

Areas of specialisation and scope: In robotics there are different areas of specialisation. Robotics is all about designing robots, maintaining them, developing new applications and conducting research.

Specialising in design and control in robotics is close to mechanical engineering. If you wish to specialise in control and hardware design of robots, a B.Tech. degree in Electrical or Electronics or Electronics and Communication Engineering is the best suited qualification. B.Tech. Computer Engineers can look at hardware design in robotics. The control part of the robot is all about certain aspects of Electrical Engineering.A specialisation in robotics engineering will lead to potential job opportunities in manufacturing, research, mining, nuclear, power plant maintenance and variety of other areas. Besides, there is great scope for qualified experts and researchers in research and development related to Robotics.

Robotics specialisation is available in very few institutes/ universities. They offer programmes in robotics engineering through their departments — mechanical, electrical, computer science, etc.

Robotics engineering can also be studied at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)-Mumbai, Madras, Delhi, Kanpur, Kharagpur and the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

• The Centre for Robotics and Mechatronics at IIT-Kanpur offers a master’s programme in Robotics Engineering.

• Jadavpur University, Kolkata – 700032, offers M.E. Robotics.

• The University of Hyderabad offers M.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

• University College of Engineering under Osmania University, Hyderabad, offers M.E. / M.Tech. in Automation and Robotics.

• M.S. University, Baroda, conducts a master’s programme with specialisation in automation control and robotics.

• The Institute of Technology under the Banaras Hindu University conducts M.Tech. Production Engineering/ Industrial Management Engineering with Robotics and Automation as electives.

• Thapur Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala- 147004, conducts M.E. in CAD/ CAM and Robotics.

• The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani - 333031, offers M.E. in Computer Science with robotics as a subject.

• Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning Prasanthi Nilayam offers M.Tech. Computer Science with specialisation in artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is defined as the ability of an artificial mechanism to exhibit intelligent behaviour. It is closely associated with robotics.

• PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, conducts M.Tech. Mechanical with robotics as an elective subject.

• SRM institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram district (www.srmuniv.ac.in), offers M.Tech. Robotics.

• The Department of Electronics under the Cochin University of Science and Technology offers M.Sc. Electronic Science with specialisation in artificial intelligence, robotics, microwave electronics and computer technology. First-class B.Sc. degree holders with not less than 60 per cent aggregate marks in electronics / computer science / physics (with electronics) are eligible for admission. Selection is based on CUSAT-CAT.

• SASTRA, Thanjavur, affiliated to Bharatidasan University, offers a course in artificial intelligence at the Bachelor of Engineering degree-level.