Career Opportunities: IoT or Robotics - Which Sector Offers Brighter Futures?
In the ever-evolving world of technology, two fields stand out for their potential and growth: Robotics and Internet of Things (IoT). Both are shaping the future, offering a wealth of opportunities for professionals seeking to make their mark.
Robotics, a branch of engineering that deals with the creation of machines to perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously, is making waves in various sectors. Examples range from industrial robots in manufacturing to robotic arms in surgery, delivery robots, and even humanoid robots. The industry is experiencing a boom due to automation and AI integration, with rapid advancements being made in humanoid robots and autonomous systems.
Robotics is essential in sectors like logistics, medicine, and defense. In healthcare, robotics is being used for surgical robots and prosthetics, while in manufacturing and automation, robots are streamlining production processes and increasing efficiency. The aerospace and defense industry, too, is capitalising on robotics technology.
Career opportunities in Robotics are diverse and include roles such as Robotics Engineer, Mechatronics Engineer, AI/ML Engineer (for robotics), Controls Engineer, Autonomous Systems Developer, and Research Scientist (Robotics). For those with a strong background in engineering, AI, and control systems, Robotics may offer more opportunities for technical innovation and advanced automation.
On the other hand, IoT, a network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity to collect and exchange data, is also experiencing significant growth. IoT is expected to connect 75+ billion devices by 2030, with high demand in smart cities, healthtech, and industrial automation. Examples of IoT include smart thermostats, wearable fitness trackers, industrial sensors, and connected vehicles.
The focus in IoT is shifting to edge computing, 5G, and AI integration. Career opportunities in IoT include roles such as IoT Developer, Embedded Systems Engineer, IoT Solutions Architect, Cloud Engineer (IoT), IoT Data Analyst, and Firmware Engineer. If one enjoys working with networks, sensors, and real-world data, IoT may be a better choice for a career.
Between IoT and Robotics, both fields offer strong career prospects, but Robotics shows slightly stronger future potential and higher industry momentum, while IoT remains a strong growth area with solid salary prospects. The average salary for a Robotics Engineer is $95,000 - $130,000, for an AI/ML Engineer (Robotics) is $120,000 - $160,000, and for an IoT Developer is $90,000 - $120,000. The average salary for an IoT Solutions Architect is $110,000 - $140,000.
Education and research is an industry hiring for roles in Robotics, while industries hiring for IoT roles include smart home automation, healthcare (remote monitoring devices), agriculture (smart irrigation), manufacturing (Industry 4.0), and smart cities and infrastructure.
In summary, for career growth, higher salaries, and future-proofing, Robotics (especially AI-integrated robotics) generally offers better prospects, though IoT remains a strong and expanding field attractive for professionals focused on connectivity and infrastructure.
Education and self-development can be enhanced by learning about the intricacies of embedded systems, a crucial component in the IoT field. For instance, understanding the design and programming of smart thermostats or connected vehicles will provide valuable skills for IoT-related careers.
Robotics technology, with its rapidly advancing AI and automation capabilities, presents an exciting opportunity for professionals to explore education-and-self-development in areas such as humanoid robotics and autonomous systems. This knowledge can lead to lucrative careers as Robotics Engineers, AI/ML Engineers, or Autonomous Systems Developers.
