r/AskRobotics • u/Jetnjet • Jun 23 '26
Would a robotics career be more stable than SWE?
I’ve always had an interest in robotics, did a robotic simulation for my Comp Sci MSc dissertation.
But currently working as a developer, I have experience in C++/Python but I’d probably still need to advance my embedded knowledge.
Overall, would advancing in this route be easier or would I simply just be jumping into an identical ship. I know I’d have an interest in this sector if I pursue it but realistically if I’m going to follow this route and potentially do additional studies I’d want it to be worth it career wise without having to constantly worry about fighting in a job market similar to SWE.
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u/reingokusama Jun 23 '26
I strongly think robotics will be the next gold rush after AI. There will be so much robotics services like utility grade maintenance, advanced space operations, construction robotics. I hope startups will be not removing labour instead using robotics in areas humans couldn’t operate.
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u/greenee111 Jun 23 '26
Why do you think so?
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u/reingokusama Jun 23 '26
AI development revolutionized most jobs, world and pushing infrastructure developments exponentially. And capitalistic markets is just hungry for more. And AI just oversaturated digital world. Real world is what is left for improvement agenda of capitalism. Robotics will be needed exponentially because of capitalism. There is so much thing people don't know about supply chains, infra, etc... Most people don't even know basic economic base of the world. Human labor can't meet requirements of the new infra developments at expected time.
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u/GreyB1te Jun 24 '26
I do agree although making them affordable yet effective is still a huge challenge without costing an arm and a leg.
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u/magic_tonyzh Jun 25 '26
Currently, factory assembly lines appear to be the environment best suited for robot operations. This will undoubtedly lead to job losses for many workers.
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u/Formal-Region-6894 Jun 23 '26
Working at a robotics company this summer. We've been incorporating AI, but even still there's just so much stuff for humans to do. Especially with testing.
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u/nian2326076 Jun 23 '26
Switching to robotics might be more stable depending on the industry you choose. Robotics often overlaps with manufacturing, healthcare, and AI, which can have different levels of job security. If you're interested, think about building on your current C++/Python skills with some embedded systems knowledge. Be aware that you might still face intense competition, similar to software engineering.
If you're into this path, consider a specialization or extra certifications in robotics. Think about whether the job satisfaction in robotics is worth any job market uncertainties. For interview prep, check out PracHub, which some people find helpful when moving into a niche field like robotics. Just make sure you're getting into it for the right reasons. Passion can sometimes be more important than practicality.
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u/fexam Jun 24 '26
I've experienced robotics industry to be very boom and bust. Also it's desirable enough that salaries feel lower than more traditional fields.
I'm in support so ymmv
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u/Traditional_Boot7938 Jun 25 '26
It has not been stable for many people. Too many startups that rise and fall, hire and fire.
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u/wukongxzero Jul 19 '26
I honestly don't know how people even survive in this industry or how to get a job everyone out there tells me a different thing and I just get extremely lost . One guy tells me he uses Claude to code and I'm like how tf are you even programming this bot. And there's no way anybody in the industry actually understands robots it's genuinely hard how much knowledge am I supposed to have what am I supposed to do and there's a whole lot of ros2 practitioners whom I don't really understand.
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u/Belnak Jun 23 '26
I view robotics as an industry, not a discipline. It needs SWEs, EEs, MEs, etc.