Robotics plays a crucial role in today’s fast-paced world, seamlessly integrated at both the industrial and domestic levels. Different industries, particularly those involved in manufacturing, rely on robotics to automate processes, leading to increased efficiency and accuracy, plus reduced human error. The medical field has also embraced robotics to improve aspects of surgery, physical therapy and diagnoses. Robotics has greatly contributed to the fields of science, aeronautics and security.
Moreover, robotics has become part of everyday life. We see it in domestic appliances, like robot vacuums, smart refrigerators and self-driving cars. This underscores the transformative impact of robotics, extending from specialised industries to the broader spectrum of our normal, daily routines.
Robotics is expected to only improve as it pushes boundaries as technology advances. It’s the perfect time to get into the robotics field, which is why more and more students are looking into tech universities offering courses and programs in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).
upGrad Global Study Partners (GSP) maintains a network of tech universities in key study-abroad destinations where students can start their robotics education. In this article, we’ll explore the different options available in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Understanding robotics
Robotics is a revolutionary field in technology that combines multiple disciplines, including engineering (mechanical and electrical), computer science, programming, AI and more. At its core, robotics is all about creating machines that can perform tasks with minimal human intervention and can integrate seamlessly into various environments.
As a multidisciplinary field, robotics can potentially drive technological advancements on a massive scale, especially with ongoing advancements in computer vision, motion control and navigation, real-world perception and natural language processing (NLP) in machines. Robotics and AI can also drastically transform the world. The intersection of these two fields has already paved the way for various technology, including accessible programs like ChatGPT and other automated functions that have been designed to make people’s lives easier and faster.
Top robotics universities in the US
The United States is rich with globally-recognised tech universities that specialise in robotics. Here are some of the best schools in the state where students can take related courses.
Arizona State University – KAPLAN
Arizona State University (ASU) is one of the fastest-growing research institutions in the US. It ranks in the top five in research expenditures for universities without a medical school, so students are given the chance to work with the likes of NASA and Mayo Clinic. ASU was also named the number one public university for international students by the 2023 Institute of International Education’s Open Doors Report for the third consecutive year, holding that position for six of the past eight years.
Students interested in robotics can take their Bachelor of Science in Engineering – Robotics program.
Illinois Institute of Technology
The Illinois Institute of Technology is a private university in Chicago that offers a variety of educational options in the sciences, including robotics and engineering. The university and its contract research affiliate IIT Research Institute (IITRI) have an annual research volume of more than US $52 million, with research currently strong in robotics, cybersecurity, and transportation and infrastructure.
IIT is currently ranked 1st in Illinois and 23rd in the US in the Wall Street Journal’s list of America’s Best Colleges (2024). It currently offers a Master of Sciences program in Autonomous Systems and Robotics.
Trine University
Trine University is a private institution in Indiana. It’s renowned as one of the top universities in the Midwest. The 2024 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Colleges Midwest (US News & World Report) ranks it at 14th. It’s particularly known for its engineering programs, with more than 40% of its student body comprising engineering majors. The university continues to expand its offerings with majors in mechatronics and robotics, including a Bachelor of Sciences program in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering.
Top robotics universities in Canada
Canada is one of the top study destinations abroad, with several universities offering high-quality education opportunities to students interested in robotics. Here are some of the best tech universities in the country.
Ontario Tech University
Ontario Tech University is a public university in Oshawa, Ontario. It’s known for its multiple faculties, including the faculty of engineering and applied science which hosts their Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Engineering and Management (Honours) in Mechatronics Engineering programs.
Ontario Tech University currently ranks in the 201–250 rank in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings.
Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University is one of Canada’s top universities. It’s the number one Canadian comprehensive university (Maclean’s University Rankings 2024), number one in Canada for innovation (World University Rankings for Education 2023) and number one in the world for sustainable cities and communities (Times Higher Education Impact Ranking 2023).
SFU offers the following courses for robotics students:
- Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Business Administration in Mechatronic Systems Engineering and Business
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Electronics Engineering
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Science
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechatronic Systems Engineering.
University of the Fraser Valley
The University of the Fraser Valley is a fully accredited public university in British Columbia (just east of Vancouver) that offers more than 100 programs, including three master’s degrees, 17 bachelor’s degrees in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates and multiple trades and technology programs.
Students of UFV enjoy high employability, with 83% of graduates working two years after graduating and 47% continuing education.
The school currently offers a Diploma in Automation and Robotics Technician program.
Top robotics universities in Australia and New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand are growing to be preferred study-abroad destinations – and their rising robotics universities and schools are playing a part in attracting more students from all over the world. Here are some of the options students have in the region:
Flinders University
Flinders University is a public research university in Adelaide that ranks among the top universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings). The modern institution prides itself on being progressive, student-focused and career-minded, exhibited through its state-of-the-art facilities, industry-linked and accredited degrees, professional placement opportunities, industry projects and mentoring programs.
Flinders offers the following courses for aspiring robotics majors:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics) (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics) (Honours)
- Master of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic).
Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne University of Technology is a dual-sector institution in Melbourne dedicated to technology and innovation. Its purpose is to create tomorrow’s technology and build the talent required for a tech-rich future. Swinburne is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide. Additionally, the Times Higher Education lists it at 43rd in its Young University Rankings. Robotics students can choose between two courses:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Professional) – Robotics and Mechatronics
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) – Robotics and Mechatronics.
Western Sydney University
Western Sydney University (WSU) is one of the most coveted universities in the country. It consistently ranks in the top 20 universities in Australia and New Zealand. Furthermore, for the second year in a row, the 2023 Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings ranked it number one in the world for its social, economic and environmental impact. Students interested in taking up robotics at WSU can take up their Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering) program.
The University of Waikato
The University of Waikato is a public research university in Hamilton, New Zealand. It’s one of the best institutions in the country, ranking in the 250th spot in the QS World Rankings. It’s particularly renowned for its Waikato Management School, School of Education and School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences. It offers two engineering courses related to robotics:
- Bachelor of Engineering with Honours – Mechatronics Engineering
- Master of Engineering – Mechatronics Engineering.
University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and leading tertiary education institution. It’s known for its robust research programs, and it’s ranked 150th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2024).
The University of Auckland is the only university in the country that has both Engineering and Medical and Health Sciences faculties. In the former, students can explore robotics programs including:
- Master of Robotics and Automation Engineering
- Postgraduate Certificate in Robotics and Automation Engineering
- Postgraduate Diploma in Robotics and Automation Engineering.
Top robotics universities in the UK
The United Kingdom is home to some of the top tech universities across the globe. Whether in London or beyond, students can choose from a vast choices of robotics and engineering courses. Here are some of the top offerings:
De Montfort University
De Montfort University is a public university in the city of Leicester in the UK that emphasises career-relevant skills. Different professional bodies endorse its courses, which are aligned with industry practices. Graduates go on to work in top organisations like the BBC, the NHS and Deloitte.
Among its robotics courses, students can pursue:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechatronics and Robotics
- Master of Engineering in Mechatronics and Robotics
- Postgraduate Diploma in Mechatronics and Robotics
- Postgraduate Certificate in Mechatronics and Robotics (1 year)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Mechatronics and Robotics (16 months)
- Master of Science in Mechatronics and Robotics.
Falmouth University
Falmouth University has more than 120 years of experience in providing teaching excellence, professional facilities and valuable connections to students in Cornwall. Its programs on sustainability, equality diversity and inclusion and economic impact have attracted students from all over the globe.
Individuals interested in robotics courses in the area can take up their Bachelor of Science (Honours) program in Robotics, with a choice of taking on professional practice.
London Metropolitan University
London Metropolitan University is a welcoming community that prides itself on its teaching excellence, student employability and environmental sustainability. The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 ranked it 9th for teaching quality and 10th for student experience in the UK. The Daily Mail University Guide 2024 also featured it as one of the top 20 UK universities for student support and in the top 50 UK universities for graduate salaries.
Students interested in robotics can take up the following programs in London Met:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Computer Systems Engineering and Robotics (including foundation year)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Computer Systems Engineering and Robotics
- Master of Science in Robotics with Artificial Intelligence.
University of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen is a public research university in Scotland recognised as a UK Top 20 and World Top 200 university with outstanding levels of student satisfaction. It’s 12th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2024 and 2nd in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2023. It’s also 37th globally in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024.
It offers two robotics programs:
- Master of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Robotics
- Master of Science in Industrial Robotics.
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol in England is a high-ranking university that offers a world-class learning environment underscored by academic excellence and a forward-thinking spirit. It’s a member of the prestigious Russell Group, a self-selected association of twenty-four public research universities in the UK. It’s ranked 9th in the UK and 55th in the world(QS World University Rankings 2024), and it’s one of the four most targeted universities by UK recruiters (High Fliers Research 2023). Its robotics programs are both Masters of Science—one in Robotics and another in Aerial Robotics.
Learn more about top robotics universities
Robotics, automation and artificial intelligence are revolutionising the way the world works. Now’s an opportune moment for students to take up related courses to future-proof their careers. Learn more about upGrad GSP’s partner robotics universities by checking out our platform or speaking with our business development experts!
