13 Skills Every Robotics Technician Needs to Have
At NRTC Automation, we advocate for regular maintenance checks and repairs for your equipment. It’s an investment for the long-term good of your production line: by keeping your robots in tiptop shape, they will run longer and yield more output for your company.
That’s why we also advocate for robotics technicians for every industrial company. They have a set of skills that will improve your manufacturing line and keep your production process running smoothly. Read on about robotics technicians and the skills they need to get the job done.
Robotics technicians are a necessity for every industrial company.
Every production line that has a robot will also need a technician to maintain and repair it. Robotics technicians ensure that your productivity levels remain high and your robots work efficiently so that you can produce goods, increase revenue, and decrease downtime.
What do robotics technicians do?
As a general overview, robotics technicians build, maintain, and troubleshoot robotics systems.
Some of the daily tasks of a robotics technician include:
Assembling parts using tools or microscopes
Installing and programming controllers and EOATs
Troubleshooting robotics systems, such as sensors or electronics, for technical issues
Keeping records of robotic equipment
Robotics technicians have plenty of other tasks to keep them busy as well. Technicians may train customers or co-workers on how to install and use robots, as well as make repairs to robots and robotic equipment and perform maintenance checks.
They may also maintain robotic parts inventories as well as evaluate robots for efficiency and quality.
Top 13 skills robotics technicians need to get the job done:
HAND-EYE COORDINATION
Excellent hand-eye coordination is a necessity for every robotics technician. Handling small, heavy, and awkward parts, as well as using tools that need precision, requires technicians to have complete control over their aim.
SYSTEMS-THINKING
Robotics technicians should have systems-thinking skills to understand the complex systems they are working with, such as mechanics and sensing.
ELECTRICAL KNOWLEDGE
A study in New Orleans showed that experienced robotics technicians wished that newer technicians had more electrical knowledge. Electrical systems are integral to a functioning robot, so understanding basic single and three-phase electrical knowledge, among other things, is important to perform the job well.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Troubleshooting is par for the course with robots. Because of this, robotics technicians should have a wide berth of knowledge on technical issues so they can apply it during the troubleshooting process. This is especially helpful when discussing robots with customers or bringing a production line back to functioning after downtime.
GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Soft skills are important for every professional, including robotics technicians. Knowing how to communicate with coworkers, employers, and customers, as well as learning how to work in a team, are a necessity. Also, a robotics technician should be able to clearly explain how to install, maintain, and repair a robot for customers or coworkers.
PERSISTENCE
Being a robotics technician isn’t easy. That’s why technicians need persistence to complete the job, especially when there are obstacles. Coming up with a solution for a complex problem will require dedication to a project and the desire to see it to the end.
PROGRAMMING MINDSET
The “programming mindset” is a superb asset for all technical professionals. Being able to think like a programmer and understand how programming works will benefit robotics technicians by allowing them to troubleshoot quickly and efficiently.
CONTINUED LEARNING
Technology never sleeps. While robotics technicians should make sure they get some rest, they should also try to actively learn on the job and obtain certifications as necessary. Robotics is a quickly developing field that technicians need to navigate as new situations and robot models arise.
TIME MANAGEMENT
Again, time management is another soft skill that every professional should have. Robotics technicians may have a line of robots to repair or several customers in need of support in one day. Having time management skills will allow technicians to complete the most important work on time without feeling frazzled.
COMPLEX PROBLEM-SOLVING
As mentioned above, complex problem-solving skills are necessary for robot technicians to do their job. Robots are very involved and intricate systems that require creativity and forethought when solving issues. Problem-solving can also be used in situations like team management and handling customers, which requires less technical knowledge and more personal finesse.
DESIGN KNOWLEDGE
Having a deep understanding of design knowledge will enhance a robotics technician’s skill set. When a robotics technician knows technology design, they will be able to create systems that work as well as fix potential issues in technical systems.
DECISION-MAKING
Every day, robotics technicians need to make decisions. It’s important that technicians can use logic to make a decision and be confident once they decide.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Last but not least, robotics technicians must make safety a priority. When they work, they should take care to protect themselves and other people from getting hurt while working on robots. They should also take special precautions while handling equipment to avoid any needless damage. If an accident does occur, then the technician should be educated on how to proceed with notifying someone and filing the incident.
Every manufacturing line needs a robotics technician.
Regular repairs and maintenance checks are needed on manufacturing lines to keep them running correctly and efficiently. To keep your productivity high and your equipment costs low, have a robotics technician handy to make repairs, install parts, and perform scheduled maintenance checks on your robots.
If you are looking for a technician, NRTC Automation offers repair services by expert robotics technicians for all robots and manufacturing equipment. Contact us today for more information on our repair and reconditioning services.
ARE YOU IN NEED OF A ROBOTICS TECHNICIAN?
NRTC Automation offers a three-tier robot refurbishing service to get your robot back to factory-new condition. You can choose the level of repair you want to stay within your budget. From cleaning the interior to applying a brand-new paint job, our robotics technicians will bring your robot back to the production line with more efficiency and productivity.
Contact NRTC Automation today to learn more about our industrial and automation services.
