Robotics InternshipsIn the field of robotics, internships are necessary to become a professional, and the internships available in robotics span just about every industry. These opportunities are open to students in computer science and engineering programs, and they give students a chance to work with professional researchers developing original technology and academic research.

Types of Robotics Internships

Internships in this field are evenly divided between private companies and public research institutions. If you’re accepted for an internship with a private corporation, you will most likely have to sign a non-disclosure agreement to protect the proprietary technology you’re working on. Some of the typical internships available with private companies involve research into biodegradable, implantable technologies, bioprinting, bioplastics and other biological products related to the healthcare industry. Other proprietary projects available to interns range from robotic toys to reading technologies for the blind. Since robotics is an explosive field, there is no shortage of fascinating opportunities for computer science, electrical engineering or mechanical engineering students, but they typically require excellent student transcripts and recommendations from professors.

Research Internships

Another option for interesting robotics internships is to apply for summer programs with universities or research institutions. Not every university has a post-graduate robotics department, so students may need to travel out of state to find a program. One well-known organization that offers some of the most high-tech robotics internships available is NASA. Students can apply for the Robotics Academy, a 10-week resident internship program with NASA that gives them the chance to work on technology for the future of the space program.

Students work in teams with professional robotics engineers who sponsor them, and a graduate student is chosen as the team leader. The internship is held on a large student campus, and there are hundreds of positions available. However, there are many more applicants than open positions, so special preference is given to students who have shown a previous interest in robotics.

Getting Accepted for the NASA Internship

Students who have participated in the Botball, the Robotics Competition or For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, or FIRST, are considered before others. If you’re a freshman or sophomore in college and want to apply for the Robotics Academy, you would have a better chance if you participate in one of these robotics competitions first. It’s also a good idea to have excellent grades in your math and science classes because your GPA will affect your position on the list of applicants.

The projects at the NASA internship are developed either by NASA or by research universities involved in robotics development. They’re examples of the types of projects students will work on as graduate students or professional researchers after graduating from college. In contrast, the internships offered by private companies are the types of projects students will work on if they enter private industry rather than academia. These positions usually require a master’s degree in engineering, especially biomedical or software engineering. It’s also possible to specialize a computer science master’s degree in artificial intelligence, robotics or biomedical technology.

Related Resource: Computer Science Internships

The field of robotics is leading the way in the application of artificial intelligence in every industry. Robots have the potential to save lives and add billions of dollars to the economy over the next several decades. If you’re interested in researching and designing robots, you should apply for internships available in robotics.