Program Overview

PhD in Robotics Engineering

The PhD in Robotics Engineering is a groundbreaking doctoral program that offers students the opportunity to earn a doctorate in the field of robotics engineering. This program is internationally known for its outstanding faculty and advanced research projects.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the PhD in Robotics Engineering is purposefully varied, reflecting the multilayered nature of the industry. Students take classes that have a business, systems engineering, or entrepreneurial approach, in addition to gaining depth and breadth in robotics expertise. The program includes coursework across disciplines such as computer science, electrical and computer engineering, mathematics, and mechanical engineering.

Research for Robotics Engineering PhD

Faculty research in the PhD in Robotics Engineering program is wide-ranging and involves students in every step of research and exploration. Some areas of faculty specialization include:

• Assistive and Augmentative Robotics
• Human-Robot Interaction
• Kinematics, Dynamics, and Control
• Manipulation
• Medical and Surgical Robotics
• Perception
• Motion Planning
• Multi-robot Systems
• Navigation
• Origami-inspired Foldable Robot Design and Fabrication
• Real-time Motion Planning
• Robot Learning
• Soft/Flexible Robotic Systems
• Tactile Sensing

Faculty Profiles

The faculty members in the Robotics Engineering department have diverse research interests and expertise. Some of the faculty members include:

• Carlo Pinciroli, Associate Professor/Graduate Coordinator, Robotics Engineering
• Jing Xiao, Professor & Department Head, Robotics Engineering
• Cagdas Onal, Associate Professor, Robotics Engineering
• Berk Calli, Associate Professor, Robotics Engineering
• Loris Fichera, Associate Professor, Robotics Engineering
• Gregory Fischer, Professor, Robotics Engineering
• Jie Fu, Affiliate Assistant Professor, Robotics Engineering

Gain a Foundation in Robotics With a Graduate Certificate

WPI offers a graduate certificate in robotics engineering that covers the fundamentals of robotics, providing students with a strong understanding of how robots are engineered. The certificate is available both on-campus and online.

Bachelor's in Robotics Engineering

WPI's bachelor's degree in robotics engineering delivers a comprehensive approach to understanding the use and implications of robotics. The program allows students to research how the field of robotics works, build robotic devices, interact with them, and explore the uses and ethics of robotics.

Minor in Robotics Engineering

The minor in robotics engineering includes coursework in disciplines such as ECE, mechanical engineering, computer science, and others, allowing students to apply what they learn in the minor program to their major discipline.

Research Traineeship Programs

WPI is the recipient of two National Science Foundation Research Traineeship programs, providing exceptionally talented graduate students with specialized training and funding assistance to join careers at the forefront of technology and innovation.

BioPoint Program for Graduate Students

The BioPoint program is designed to complement traditional training in bioscience, digital, and engineering fields. Students accepted into the program will have the flexibility to select research advisors and take electives in other departments to broaden their skills.