Robotics

Overview of Programme
MSc Robotics at Heriot-Watt University provides you with industry-relevant training in core elements of modern robotics and autonomous systems.

This one-year postgraduate master’s degree in Robotics is linked to the United Kingdom’s (UK's) National Robotarium and will equip you to work in industry and wider society in areas where robots can be used to improve productivity, transform transportation, work in extreme environments, and improve quality of life.

Studying MSc Robotics will allow you to:
- be trained in core robotics techniques, from basic kinematics to robot control, robot navigation, robot planning, machine vision, and human-robot interaction, and in enabling technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NPL), machine learning (ML), and Internet of Things (IoT)

- receive an extensive training in robot programming, especially using the robotic operating system (ROS), and practical implementation of solutions on real robots

- apply skills in various applications through major robotics projects, relevant to research and industry, and involving systems such as autonomous vehicles, underwater robots, humanoid and social robots, advanced manipulators for compliant control, and novel robot designs

- obtain access to staff from leading research groups to mentor their development and guide their research projects

Why study Robotics?
Robotics and AI (Artificial Intelligence) are seen as key technologies for the future and the subject of massive commercial investment.

There is a rapidly growing worldwide demand for graduates with the technical skills and industry awareness to create an innovation pipeline from academic research to global markets in the field of robotics. Key application areas include manufacturing, assistive and medical robots, offshore energy, environmental monitoring, search and rescue, defence, and support for the aging population

Apple, Google, Uber, Amazon, and Facebook all have major ongoing research programs in robotics. In the UK, Dyson, 5AI and a plethora of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups are trying to grasp the huge market opportunity that is foreseen. Predictions of the worldwide economic impact of Robotics and Autonomous Systems range from US$1.7 trillion to US$4.5 trillion by 2025.

Our Expertise
Our MSc Robotics draws upon the world class research carried out by Heriot-Watt as part of the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and Autonomous Systems (CDT-RAS). The centre is leading in the UK effort to realise the potential of Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, by producing a new generation of highly skilled researchers, trained to take a leading role through technical skills coupled to industry and marketing awareness.

Your learning environment
During your studies, you’ll benefit from our specialist equipment, software and laboratories used by professional electrical, electronic, and robotic engineers. You will have the opportunity to work on real-world problems, and work across disciplines to deliver practical solutions with global impact in our state-of-the-art GRID (Global Research Innovation and Discovery) facility. This specifically designed centre gives you access to innovative labs and facilities for electronics, electrical power, computing, embedded systems, communications, robotics, and mechanical prototyping.

Industry
The prevalence of industry and research, through the National Robotarium and the CDT-RAS, on campus means that your learning will be directly informed by current and emerging trends, technologies and techniques as used by professional robotics and autonomous systems academics. As a result, you’ll gain the right blend of knowledge, practical skills, and soft skills to set you up for life after graduation.