ADVANCED ROBOTICS SYSTEMS (PART TIME)

The MSc Advanced Robotics Systems is an innovative master’s programme that prepares visionary leaders to propel the robotics industry. Offering cutting-edge specialisations in robotics perception, cognition, and manipulation alongside pathways in deployment, management, and entrepreneurship, this course delivers versatile, real-world competencies.

Through mentoring relationships with industry pioneers in China’s thriving robotics sector and a semester-long internship, graduates gain highly sought-after skills to spark advancements.

This programme has three distinct features: the core modules, optional modules, and the year-long industrial immersion that includes an internship and a research dissertation or advanced industrial project. The core modules will equip graduates with core knowledge of robotics technology. Conversely, the optional modules allow students to have expertise in certain areas of interest.

Four pathways were created for the optional modules: Advanced Robotics Technologies, Leadership, Technopreneurship (tech entrepreneurship), and Applied Robotics Technologies.

The final part of the programme, industrial immersion, is geared towards equipping graduates with industrial know-how through projects that would give them an advantage over their peers.

The MSc Advanced Robotics Systems is designed to provide students with a comprehensive set of knowledge and skills in robotics. Through this programme, students can gain the following:

Core knowledge

• Robotics technology: Understanding the fundamentals of robotics, including perception, cognition, learning, control, and manipulation;
• Integration and deployment: Knowledge of integrating and deploying robotics technologies in real-world settings, such as manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and education;
• Management: Leadership and management skills related to multidisciplinary teams, project management, and resource allocation in the context of robotics systems; and
• Innovation and entrepreneurship: Understanding the innovation and entrepreneurship aspects of robotics systems, including identifying market opportunities, developing business plans, and commercialising intellectual property.

Technical skills

• Robotics design and development: Practical skills in designing, developing, and evaluating cutting-edge robotics technologies;
• Implementation: Practical skills in implementing and deploying robotics technologies in various domains and scenarios;
• Analysis: Ability to analyse the needs and requirements of different stakeholders and select and adapt appropriate robotics solutions; and
• Evaluation: Assessing the performance and impact of robotics systems in different applications.

Soft skills

• Leadership: Leading and collaborating effectively in multidisciplinary teams working on robotics projects;
• Communication: Effectively communicating with diverse audiences, both technical and non-technical, in the context of robotics systems;
• Project management: Managing projects related to the design, development, and deployment of robotics technologies; and
• Ethics: Understanding and dealing with ethical and social issues related to robotics systems.

Pathway-specific skills

1. Advanced Robotics Technologies

• Advanced skills in designing and evaluating cutting-edge robotics technologies;
• Application of advanced robotics technologies in industrial automation and service, medical, and social robotics.

2. Leadership

• Leadership and collaboration skills in multidisciplinary teams;
• Effective communication with diverse stakeholders and managing projects and resources.

3. Technopreneurship

• Innovation and entrepreneurship skills related to identifying market opportunities for robotics products and services;
• Developing and pitching business plans for robotics ventures, including IP protection and risk assessment.

4. Applied Robotics Technologies

• Skills in integrating, implementing, and deploying robotics technologies in real-world settings;
• Analysing the needs and requirements of different stakeholders and adapting robotics solutions accordingly.

Graduates from the MSc Advanced Robotics Systems programme can pursue diverse and rewarding careers in various industries. The skill set acquired in the programme equips graduates for roles that span research, development, implementation, and management in the rapidly evolving field of robotics. Potential career paths include:

• Engineer/designer: Designing, developing, and testing robotic systems for industrial automation, medical applications, or other specialised fields;
• Researcher: Conducting research to advance the field of robotics, exploring new technologies, and contributing to academic or industrial research institutions;
• Automation specialist: Implementing and optimising automated systems in manufacturing, agriculture, or other industries to enhance efficiency and productivity;
• Healthcare robotics specialist: Developing and implementing robotic technologies for medical applications, including surgical robotics, rehabilitation robotics, or assistive devices for healthcare;
• Entrepreneur: Launching their own robotics-related ventures, leveraging the innovation and entrepreneurial skills gained during the programme;
• Project manager: Overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of robotics projects, ensuring they align with organisational goals;
• Technology consultant: Providing expertise in robotics technology to businesses, helping them integrate and optimise their robotic solutions;
• AI and robotics integration specialist: Working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and robotics to create intelligent and adaptive robotic systems;
• Technical sales engineer: Educating clients about robotics solutions, understanding their needs, and providing technical support to facilitate sales;
• Research and development engineer: Contributing to the development of new technologies, products, or processes within a research and development setting;
• Educator/trainer: Sharing expertise by teaching robotics courses or conducting training sessions for educational institutions or corporate training programmes; and
• Policy and ethics advisor: Contributing to the ethical and policy considerations in deploying robotics technologies, especially in areas like AI ethics and responsible innovation.