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Apprenticeship training course

Advanced robotics engineer (level 7)

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Information about Advanced robotics engineer (level 7)

To invent, design and implement new robotic solutions for challenges that have not currently been solved using new scientific advanced engineering methods and techniques.

Knowledge, skills and behaviours
View knowledge, skills and behaviours

Knowledge

  • Robot and computer hardware design: structure, concepts, and systems architecture for complex robotics applications.
  • Mathematical principles for modelling complex robotic systems and their embedded multiple subsystems. Concepts of mathematics to establish algorithmic connection between the perception and action of the robotic systems.
  • Artificial intelligence: algorithms and techniques for symbolic programming and task planning for robotics applications. Programming concepts to train Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, also considering ethical aspects, for robotics applications.
  • Machine Learning (ML): algorithms and techniques for embedding decision-making capabilities, also considering the ethical aspects, in robotic applications.
  • Robotic system architecture and integration principles to design, plan and execute the complex interactions of the robot system within the subsystems of the robot system, with the complex, unstructured and dynamic environment and with other robot systems.
  • Principles of sustainability and product lifecycle engineering to design systems, products and processes that maximise energy and material efficiency and minimise the environmental impact.
  • Requirements analysis techniques to capture technical, user and environmental system requirements.
  • Data engineering principles for data sourcing, transformation and analysis techniques.
  • System performance monitoring technologies needed for identifying and continuously monitoring the performance-based metrics of the robotic system.
  • Collaborative human-robot interface design principles needed for designing intuitive, user-friendly, safe and ethical systems.
  • Reliability engineering principles to design and build reliable, robust, trustworthy and maintainable robotics systems.
  • Machine vision (2D and 3D) principles for image processing techniques for scene evaluation, path planning and obstacle avoidance in dynamic and unstructured environments.
  • Sensor fusion principles for acquiring and combining data from multiple sensors in different components of the robotic system. Sensor Signal Processing (SSP) and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) techniques for analysing sensor data.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving techniques.
  • Systems engineering principles for root cause and fault analysis.
  • Hazard identification: principles for defining the risks, their probability, ethical implications, frequency, and severity. Risk assessment principles for evaluating the consequences of risks, their impact and mitigation strategies as required by health and safety documentation.
  • Autonomous systems principles for motion and path planning in complex, unstructured and dynamic environments for multi-robot systems.
  • Systems engineering principles for designing safety compliant systems considering health and safety requirements for the operating environment.
  • Robotics control: kinematics, dynamic systems modelling, and design of control algorithms for trajectory, force, impedance and admittance control.
  • Principles of robotic manipulation required for designing end-effectors to handle challenging objects.
  • Verification and validation engineering principles for quality control, testing and performance evaluation of the robotic systems.
  • Robot programming frameworks, simulation tools, benchmarking methodologies, and proprietary robot programming languages.
  • Software engineering, software architecture, compilers, programming languages and networking principles, object-oriented programming, version control, protocols and interface methods for software systems integration in robotic systems.
  • Written communication techniques. Plain English principles. Engineering terminology. Report writing.
  • Verbal communication techniques. Giving and receiving information. Matching style to audience. Barriers in communication and ways to overcome them.
  • Technical documentation. User, system, deployment, data logging, risk register and maintenance manuals. Content and usage.
  • Project management principles: planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management and resource management.
  • Personal and professional development techniques to keep up to date with advances in robotics and related technologies.
  • Data governance principles: transparency, accountability, privacy, fairness, ethics, GDPR and cybersecurity.
  • Research techniques required for system and solution design and development.
  • Industry trends in robotics engineering to keep track of technology advancements, standards and market trends.
  • Design thinking, product and user-centred methodology used when developing user interfaces for targeted end-users.

Skills

  • Plan and lead research and development activities.
  • Determine feasibility and applicability of complex robotic solutions.
  • Complete requirements gathering, such as, user, technical and environmental and prioritise key areas.
  • Design, simulate and optimise processes and parts using tools and methodologies such as Computer Aided Design (CAD) and simulation tools.
  • Identify tools and evaluate them using benchmarking methodologies to identify their limitations and capabilities for carrying out the design and simulation of robotic processes.
  • Build condition based continuous performance monitoring into robotic systems considering interacting factors.
  • Design and implement robotic systems, and architecture considering technical requirements and standards.
  • Design and implement robotic systems and components with consideration to the whole product lifecycle including sustainability and environmental impact for both short-term and long-term.
  • Design and develop intuitive and collaborative human-robot interfaces considering design thinking, product and user-centred methodology, ethical, safety, trust, fear and acceptance criteria.
  • Apply design thinking, product and user-centred methodology in developing user interfaces for targeted end-users.
  • Use advanced techniques such as Sensor Signal Processing (SSP), Digital Signal Processing (DSP), intelligent signal classification and interpretation, to collect, process and analyse data from sensors and cameras.
  • Analyse data and use outcomes to make recommendations and formulate action plans.
  • Communicate verbally to stakeholders through mechanisms such as presentations, digital media and discussions.
  • Assess robot system safety compliance through hazard identification, safety risk assessment and risk mitigation.
  • Design and implement robotic software according to software engineering principles and practices with the aid of software integration tools.
  • Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders both internal and external to the organisation. Strategically manage differing and competing interests with stakeholders.
  • Manage projects with consideration for various interacting factors such as people and resources, budget, risks, organisational, time and task management, legal, contractual and statutory requirements.
  • Demonstrate prototypes and finished products to end-users and stakeholders.
  • Select and use tools for tasks such as integration, fabrication, construction, and manufacturing.
  • Written communication using design models, drawings, specifications, reports and technical documentation such as data logging and risk registers.
  • Identify and complete opportunities for personal and professional development. Mentor and guide colleagues on the technical aspects of robotics and related technologies.
  • Apply current state-of-the-art technologies in solution design and development.
  • Apply structured problem-solving, critical thinking and analytical skills.
  • Use advanced technologies to carry out regular system inspection, critical evaluation, quality control, testing and maintenance procedures.
  • Apply and promote policies and practices to support equity, diversity and inclusion.

Behaviours

  • Act as a role model and advocate for health and safety across the team.
  • Act in a professional and ethical manner.
  • Collaborate and promote teamwork across disciplines.
  • Commit to their own and support others’ professional development.
  • Lead by example to promote innovation.
  • Lead by example to promote accessibility, equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Adapt to challenging or changing situations.
  • Act as a role model and advocate environmental and sustainable practices.
Apprenticeship category (sector)
Engineering and manufacturing
Qualification level
7
Equal to master’s degree
Course duration
36 months
Maximum funding
£27,000
Maximum government funding for
apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
Job titles include
  • Advanced robotics engineer
  • AI research engineer
  • Computer vision research engineer - robotics
  • Machine learning research engineer
  • Research engineer
  • Research engineer - coordinated multi robot systems
  • Robotic systems application engineer
  • Robotics research engineer
  • Robotics software engineer
  • Robotics specialist
  • Senior control and software engineer
  • Senior robotics engineer
  • Senior robotics research engineer
  • Senior software engineer
  • Visualisation systems engineer

View more information about Advanced robotics engineer (level 7) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.