Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Engineering in Robotics and Machine Intelligence

The Bachelor of Engineering in Robotics and Machine Intelligence (BEng RMI) is a four-year direct honours programme hosted by the Department of Mechanical Engineering. This programme is uniquely supported by an interdisciplinary collaboration involving the Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering.

Programme Overview

The BEng RMI programme acknowledges the transformative trends influencing the future of engineering, including Advanced Manufacturing, Automation, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computational Modelling, Machine Learning (ML), Digital Twins, Internet of Things (IoT), Smart Materials, Sustainability, Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Energy.

Why Robotics and Machine Intelligence?

The field of Robotics and Machine Intelligence is at the heart of technological advancements. The programme was developed directly in response to industry needs and feedback, emphasising the growing importance of intelligent systems in robotics. It reflects the increasing demand for graduates with expertise in Robotics and Machine Learning (ML).

Programme Structure and Curriculum Highlights

The BEng RMI programme is designed to provide a strong foundation in multidisciplinary technologies. Key topics include:

• Design and Analysis
• Control Theory
• Computer Programming
• Machine Intelligence

The curriculum emphasises both theoretical and practical aspects, ensuring graduates have a robust understanding of the principles and practices involved in the design, implementation, and maintenance of robotic systems.

Hands-On Experience

To complement classroom learning, the programme incorporates hands-on projects, internships, and laboratory work. These elements are crucial for translating theoretical knowledge into practical skills, preparing students to meet and tackle industry challenges effectively.

Career Prospects

BEng (RMI) graduates have a wide range of career prospects, as the field is interdisciplinary and applicable to various industries. Potential career paths and prospects include:

• Research and development
• Manufacturing and automation
• Healthcare and medical robotics
• Aerospace and defense
• Service robotics
• Startups
• Consulting

Programme Launch

The BEng RMI will be available from AY2025/2026.

NUS AI Talent Scholarship

The NUS AI Talent Scholarship is available exclusively to Singapore citizens applying to RMI. This scholarship is unique within CDE, specifically for RMI, and is offered in addition to other scholarships.

FAQ: Difference Between BEng in Robotics and Machine Intelligence (RMI) and Specialisation in Robotics

The BEng RMI and Specialisation in Robotics provide prospective students with distinct pathways to excel in their chosen fields, depending on their interests and intended career paths.

BEng Robotics and Machine Intelligence

The BEng RMI is an interdisciplinary programme built upon the expertise available in the Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. It applies elements of these disciplines with data science and artificial intelligence to robots and automated systems.

Specialisation in Robotics

Students from Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering may opt for this specialisation, which requires only 20 units to complete. The specialisation offers the opportunity for students to apply the core competencies they have gained in their respective engineering disciplines to robotics systems.

Research in Robotics

Research in robotics being done in CDE includes:

• Teaching soft robots self-awareness
• A robust robotic support system
• Soft robots taking on hard tasks
• Lean, mean flying machines
• Helping robots find their way around the construction maze
• Automating 3D scanning of built environments
• Teaching robodogs new tricks
• Robot safety a top priority

These research areas demonstrate the potential of robotics in various fields and the exciting work being done in CDE.