Program Overview
Robotics and Manufacturing Engineering Technology Bachelor of Science
Overview
RIT’s robotics and manufacturing engineering technology major prepares you to become an engineer well-versed in advanced manufacturing technologies and automation.
Why Study RIT's Robotics and Manufacturing Engineering Technology Major
- A New Economy Major: Robotics and manufacturing engineering technology is an RIT New Economy Major.
- Gain Real-World Experience: Four required blocks of co-op mean nearly a year of hands-on, full-time paid work experience in industry.
- Jobs at Industry Leading Companies: Employers hiring our students for co-ops and full-time positions include AmazonRobotics, Apple, Tesla, Lockheed Martin, Amphenol Aerospace, GE, General Motors, ITT Corp, L3Harris and more.
- A Choice of Focus Areas: Tailor your degree with a focus area in one of eight technical concentrations: design and assembly modeling, design for manufacture and assembly, data acquisition and instrumentation, electronics packaging, quality control, Lean Six Sigma, manufacturing management, or plastics processing.
- Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Available: Earn both your bachelor’s and your master’s in less time and with a cost savings, giving you a competitive advantage in your field.
- STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
Robotic Manufacturing
The future of robotic manufacturing has arrived. Today’s manufacturing industry has evolved and its focus is now on advanced manufacturing technologies, which emphasizes:
- Automation and advanced robotics to increase productivity and execute the precise maneuvers required to assemble small electronic parts.
- Big data and cloud computing to help manufacturers track and analyze trends and statistics, monitor productivity, and engage in data-supported decision-making.
- 3D printing to decrease waste and improve output, and to reduce time needed for replacement parts.
- Artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, which connects machines and devices and revolutionizes the way machines communicate and function.
- Augmented reality to create visual designs and simulations.
Robotics Engineering Courses
Students in the robotics and manufacturing engineering technology degree acquire skills in a wide variety of disciplines, including course work in automation and robotics, electronics manufacturing, mechatronics, advanced manufacturing technologies and processes, and integrated design. The degree’s comprehensive curriculum also includes traditional and non-traditional manufacturing processes, materials technology, computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, controls for manufacturing automation, microprocessors, electrical and electronics principles, surface mount electronics manufacturing, quality control, lean manufacturing, engineering economics, and production and operations management.
High-Performance Teams and Professional Organizations
Many mechanical engineering students participate in high-octane performance teams, including the RIT Formula SAE Racing Team, the SAE Aerodesign Club, the RIT Baja SAE Team, RIT SAE Clean Snowmobile Team, and the Human-Powered Vehicle Competition team. They also are encouraged to participate in the student chapters of professional societies such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the Society of Automotive Engineers.
Engineering vs. Engineering Technology
Two dynamic areas of study, both with outstanding outcomes rates. Which do you choose?
What’s the difference between engineering and engineering technology? It’s a question we’re asked all the time. While there are subtle differences in the course work between the two, choosing a major in engineering vs. engineering technology is more about identifying what you like to do and how you like to do it.
Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
Today’s careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.
- Robotics and Manufacturing Engineering Technology BS/Manufacturing and Mechanical Systems Integration MS: Excel and lead the ever-changing world of automation and robotics through this accelerated dual degree pathway that combined the robotics and manufacturing engineering technology BS with the MS in manufacturing and mechanical systems integration. You'll deepen your engineering knowledge while you gain and career-ready business, management, and leadership skillsets that are part of the curriculum in the MS degree.
- +1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor’s degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.
Careers and Cooperative Education
Typical Job Titles
- Industrial Engineer
- Manufacturing Engineering Associate
- Process Engineer
- Rotational Program in Manufacturing Leadership
- STS Process Engineer
Industries
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Defense
- Manufacturing
Cooperative Education
What’s different about an RIT education? It’s the career experience you gain by completing cooperative education and internships with top companies in every single industry. You’ll earn more than a degree. You’ll gain real-world career experience that sets you apart. It’s exposure–early and often–to a variety of professional work environments, career paths, and industries.
Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Your engineering co-ops will provide hands-on experience that enables you to apply your engineering knowledge in professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.
Students in the robotics and manufacturing engineering technology program are required to complete four co-op blocks. This typically includes one spring, one fall, and two summer blocks. You'll alternate periods of full-time study with full-time paid work experience in your career field. In some circumstances, other forms of experiential education (e.g., study abroad, research, military service) may be used to fulfill part of the co-op requirement. Each student is assigned a co-op advisor to assist in identifying and applying to co-op opportunities.
Featured Work and Profiles
- Graduate Milks His Education and Creates Device to Help Dairy Farms: Jayden Neal '25 (robotics and manufacturing engineerign technology) will lead the development and manufacturing of the Vortex, a product to improve the milking process, in his family’s new business...
- Students Use Robots for Flawless Surface Repairs: Two RIT engineering students employ a robot equipped with a vision system to detect and repair drywall defects, streamlining construction repairs with precision.
- RIT Researchers Push Boundaries of Human-Robotic Interactions: Ferat Sahin, Jamison Heard, Yangming Lee, Robert Garrick Several RIT faculty researchers are pushing the boundaries of human-robotic interactions.
- Jet-Fueled Co-op Boosts Student's Manufacturing Career: Alison Fink Allison Fink’s co-op at Honda Aircraft deepened her passion for hands-on manufacturing, with impactful projects and exhilarating jet deliveries setting her on a dynamic career path.
- RIT Students Analyze Steel Microstructures in Metallography Course: First-year manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology students grind, polish, and etch steel samples to study grain structures and inclusions, gaining hands-on experience in metallographic...
Curriculum for Robotics and Manufacturing Engineering Technology BS
Robotics and Manufacturing Engineering Technology, BS degree, typical course sequence
- First Year
- MATH-171: General Education – Mathematical Perspective A: Calculus A
- MATH-172: General Education – Mathematical Perspective B: Calculus B
- MCET-101: Fundamentals of Engineering
- MCET-110: Foundations of Metals
- MCET-111: Characterization of Metals Lab
- MCET-150: Engineering Communication and Tolerancing
- PHYS-111: General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective: College Physics I
- RMET-105: Machine Tools Lab
- RMET-120: Manufacturing Processes
- UWRT-150: General Education – FYW: Writing Seminar (WI)
- YOPS-10: RIT 365: RIT Connections
- Second Year
- CPET-121: Computational Problem Solving I
- EEET-115: Circuits I
- EEET-116: Circuits I Laboratory
- ENGT-95: Career Seminar
- MATH-211: Elements of Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations
- MCET-220: Principles of Statics
- MECA-290: Mechanics for Mechatronics
- PHYS-112: College Physics II
- RMET-340: Automation Control Systems
- RMET-341: Automation Control Systems Lab
- RMET-585: Robots & Automation
- Third Year
- CHMG-131: General Education- Scientific Principles Perspective: General Chemistry for Engineers
- CPET-133: Introduction to Digital and Microcontroller Systems
- RMET-450: Lean Production & Supply Chain Operations
- RMET-460: Integrated Design for Manufacture & Assembly
- RMET-499: RMET Co-Op (Spring, Summer)
- RMET-545: Electronics Manufacturing
- STAT-145: Introduction to Statistics I
- Fourth Year
- MCET-210: Foundations of Non-Metallic Materials
- MCET-211: Characterization of Non-Metallic Materials Lab
- MECA-335: Applications of Fluid Power and Heat Transfer
- RMET-420: Quality Engineering Principles
- RMET-499: RMET Co-op
- RMET-565: RMET Engineering Technology Capstone Project (WI-PR)
- STAT-146: Introduction to Statistics II
- Fifth Year
- RMET-499: RMET Co-op (fall)
- RMET-565: RMET Engineering Technology Capstone Project (WI-PR)
- Open Electives
- General Education – Immersion 3
Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
Robotics and Manufacturing Engineering Technology, BS degree/Manufacturing and Mechanical Systems Integration, MS degree, typical course sequence
- First Year
- MATH-171: Calculus A (General Education – Mathematical Perspective A)
- MATH-172: Calculus B (General Education – Mathematical Perspective B)
- MCET-101: Fundamentals of Engineering
- MCET-110: Foundations of Metals
- MCET-111: Characterization of Metals Lab
- MCET-150: Engineering Communication and Tolerancing
- PHYS-111: College Physics I (General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective)
- RMET-105: Machine Tools Lab
- RMET-120: Manufacturing Processes
- UWRT-150: FYW: Writing Seminar (WI) (General Education – First Year Writing)
- YOPS-10: RIT 365: RIT Connections
- Second Year
- CPET-121: Computational Problem Solving I (General Education – Elective)
- EEET-115: Circuits I
- EEET-116: Circuits I Lab
- ENGT-95: Career Seminar
- MATH-211: Elements of Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations (General Education – Elective)
- MCET-220: Principles of Statics
- MECA-290: Mechanics for Mechatronics
- RMET-499: MFET Co-op (summer)
- RMET-340: Automation Control Systems
- RMET-341: Automation Control Systems Lab
- RMET-585: Robots & Automation
- PHYS-112: General Education – Elective: College Physics II
- Third Year
- CHMG-131: General Chemistry for Engineers (General Education - Scientific Principles Perspective)
- CPET-133: Introduction to Digital and Microcontroller Systems
- RMET-450: Lean Production & Supply Chain Operations
- RMET-460: Integrated Design for Manufacture & Assembly
- RMET-499: RMET- Co-op
- RMET-545: Electronics Manufacturing
- RMET-600: MMSI Graduate Seminar
- RMET-650: Manufacturing and Mechanical Systems Fundamentals
- STAT-145: Introduction to Statistics I
- Fourth Year
- MCET-210: Foundations of Non-Metallic Materials
- MCET-211: Characterization of Non-Metallic Materials Lab
- MECA-335: Applications of Fluid Power & Heat Transfer
- RMET-420: Quality Engineering Principles
- RMET-499: RMET Co-op (summer)
- RMET-565: RMET Engineering Technology Capstone Project (WI-PR)
- STAT-670: Design of Experiments
- Fifth Year
- ACCT-603: Accounting for Decision Makers
- DECS-744: Project Management
- PROF-710: Project Management
- RMET-788: MMSI Thesis Planning
- RMET-790: MMSI Thesis
- RMET-795: MMSI Comprehensive Exam, plus one (1) MMET Elective
- RMET-797: MMSI Capstone Project
Admissions and Financial Aid
First-Year Admission
First-year applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong academic background that includes:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of social studies and/or history
- 3 years of math is required and must include algebra, geometry, and algebra 2/trigonometry. Pre-calculus ispreferred.
- 2-3 years of science. Chemistry or physics is required and biology isrecommended.
- Technology electives are preferred.
Transfer Admission
Transfer applicants should meet these minimum degree-specific requirements:
- A minimum of college algebra is required. Pre-calculus or calculus ispreferred.
- Chemistry or physics is required.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.
RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Accreditation
The BS in robotics and manufacturing engineering technology major is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the General Criteria, Program Criteria for Instrumentation and Control Systems Engineering Technology and Similarly Named Programs, and Program Criteria the Manufacturing Engineering Technology and Similarly Named Programs.
Faculty
- Spencer Kim: Associate Professor
- Martin K. Anselm: Associate Professor
- Gary DeAngelis: Senior Lecturer
Facilities
Resources
Access Resources for students including academic advisors, student clubs and organizations, documents, technical information and support, and software help.
Related News
- Graduate milks his education and creates device to help dairy farms: Jayden Neal always knew that after graduating from RIT he would return to work on the technology side of his family’s dairy farm. What he didn’t expect was that he would do it with a product on its way to commercialization that changes the milking process.
- Alumni explore the future of artificial intelligence at Imagine RIT symposium: Annual Futurists Symposium features experts on the blending of technology, the arts, and design.
- RIT honors two faculty members with Russell C. McCarthy Endowed Professorships: The Endowed Professorship reflects the College of Engineering Technology's faculty connections to industry and its preparation of the next generation of industry professionals.
Program Outline
Innovations in industrial automation and manufacturing robotics are creating an increased demand for highly skilled robotics and manufacturing engineers. RIT’s robotics and manufacturing engineering technology major prepares you to become an engineer well-versed in advanced manufacturing technologies. Right now, the demand for robotics engineers, manufacturing engineers, and those skilled in designing and integrating automation into manufacturing processes is outweighing the number of students graduating with degrees in robotics engineering, resulting in outstanding employment opportunities for our graduates.
Robotics in the Manufacturing Industry
The future of robotics in manufacturing has arrived. Today’s manufacturing industry has evolved and its focus is now on advanced manufacturing, which emphasizes:
- automation and advanced robotics to increase productivity and execute the precise maneuvers required to assemble small electronic parts.
- big data and cloud computing to help manufacturers track and analyze trends and statistics, monitor productivity, and engage in data-supported decision-making.
- 3D printing to decrease waste and improve output, and to reduce time needed for replacement parts.
- artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, which connects machines and devices and revolutionizes the way machines communicate and function.
- augmented reality to create visual designs and simulations.
To meet the needs of the evolving manufacturing industry, RIT’s degree in robotics engineering focuses on preparing you to lead in this dynamic, ever-changing industry.
Robotics Engineering Courses
Students in the robotics and manufacturing engineering technology degree acquire skills in a wide variety of disciplines, including course work in automation and robotics, electronics manufacturing, mechatronics, advanced manufacturing processes, and integrated design. The degree’s comprehensive curriculum also includes traditional and non-traditional manufacturing processes, materials technology, computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, controls for manufacturing automation, microprocessors, electrical and electronics principles, surface mount electronics manufacturing, quality control, lean manufacturing, engineering economics, and production and operations management. The uniqueness of this program is its combination of robotics and manufacturing courses and its emphasis on project-based, hands-on education.
Adding a minor in a complementary area of study deepens your expertise in the core areas of robotics manufacturing and broadens your skill set for a career in this dynamic field. These minors enhance the robotics and manufacturing engineering technology program:
- applied statistics
- business analytics
- computer science
- computing security
- engineering management
- manufacturing systems
- plastics engineering and technology
- surface mount electronics manufacturing
- sustainable product development
High-Performance Teams and Professional Organizations
Many of mechanical engineering students participate in high-octane performance teams, including the RIT Formula SAE Racing Team, the SAE Aerodesign Club, the RIT Baja SAE Team, RIT SAE Clean Snowmobile Team, and the Human-Powered Vehicle Competition team. They also are encouraged to participate in the student chapters of professional societies such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the Society of Automotive Engineers.
Engineering vs. Engineering Technology
Two dynamic areas of study, both with outstanding outcomes rates. Which do you choose?
What’s the difference between engineering and engineering technology? It’s a question we’re asked all the time. While there are subtle differences in the course work between the two, choosing a major in engineering vs. engineering technology is more about identifying what you like to do and how you like to do it.
Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees
Today’s careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more. Learn more about our accelerated bachelor’s/master’s degrees and how you can prepare for your future faster.
Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
Today’s careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.
+1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor’s degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.
Read More
Careers and Cooperative Education
Typical Job Titles
Industrial Engineer |
Manufacturing Engineering Associate |
Process Engineer |
Rotational Program in Manufacturing Leadership |
STS Process Engineer |
Cooperative Education
What’s different about an RIT education? It’s the career experience you gain by completing cooperative education and internships with top companies in every single industry. You’ll earn more than a degree. You’ll gain real-world career experience that sets you apart. It’s exposure–early and often–to a variety of professional work environments, career paths, and industries.
Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Your engineering co-ops will provide hands-on experience that enables you to apply your engineering knowledge in professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.
Students in the robotics and manufacturing engineering technology program are required to complete four co-op blocks. This typically includes one spring, one fall, and two summer blocks. You'll alternate periods of full-time study with full-time paid work experience in your career field. In some circumstances, other forms of experiential education (e.g., study abroad, research, military service) may be used to fulfill part of the co-op requirement. Each student is assigned a co-op advisor to assist in identifying and applying to co-op opportunities.