University of Michigan Robotics Programs: A Comprehensive Overview

The University of Michigan stands as a leading institution in robotics education and research, offering a diverse range of programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this rapidly evolving field. From undergraduate studies to advanced graduate research, Michigan Robotics provides a comprehensive ecosystem for aspiring roboticists. The University of Michigan Robotics Department is dedicated to advancing how robots sense, reason, act and work with humans.

Undergraduate Robotics Education at UM

The University of Michigan-Dearborn (UM-Dearborn) offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Robotics Engineering. This program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the core principles of robotics, integrating concepts from various engineering disciplines.

Curriculum and Flexibility

The Robotics BSE is designed to allow students a high degree of flexibility in creating their undergraduate experience. Students can select different combinations of core classes and electives in order to focus on different elements or topics within robotics. The curriculum covers important concepts in robotics, electrical and computer engineering, systems engineering, and mechanical engineering. Students learn how to apply these concepts to design robots and robotic systems for diverse applications. The Undergraduate Program Guide contains four eight-semester (four-year) sample schedules to help students envision how requirements may fit together over their time at Michigan. Each plan is only a sample of what is possible.

Hands-on Learning

The program emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with ample opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Students have access to a pair of robotics engineering labs at UM-Dearborn.

Career Prospects for Robotics Engineers

Graduates with a robotics engineering degree from UM-Dearborn are well-prepared for careers in various fields where electronic devices are used. The interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum equips them for roles in design, development, manufacturing, technical sales, administration, and research.

Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 19,800 openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Overall employment of electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 19,000 openings for electrical and electronics engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Employment of computer hardware engineers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 5,000 openings for computer hardware engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 4,200 openings for aerospace engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Employment of materials engineers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,700 openings for materials engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Admissions and Financial Aid

UM-Dearborn has rolling admissions throughout the year, and deadlines depend on your student type. Students at UM-Dearborn are eligible for the Go Blue Guarantee - University of Michigan’s landmark promise of free tuition for high-achieving in-state undergraduate students from qualifying backgrounds.

Graduate Robotics Programs at Michigan Robotics

Michigan Robotics offers both Master’s and PhD programs that provide deep technical training in autonomous systems across hardware and software, preparing graduates to become full-stack roboticists in research, industry, and innovation. Graduate students work alongside faculty on the latest research in leading facilities and working in partnerships across campus and industry to gain expertise across the fundamental areas of robotics.

Core Technical Areas

The Michigan Robotics graduate program consists of three main technical areas, which converge as students produce functioning robots:

Sensing: of the environment, external agents, and internal information to determine state.
Reasoning: with that information to make decisions for guidance, control, and localization.
Acting: upon the body and environment to enable locomotion or interaction.

Research Opportunities

Graduate students work on fundamental and applied research problems that advance the field of robotics. Whether pursuing a Master’s or PhD, students collaborate with faculty and industry partners on projects spanning our focus areas. A visual showcase of 84 research projects. The building and program were designed from the ground-up to foster cross-lab partnerships and interdisciplinary connections that strengthen the entire robotics ecosystem.

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Teaching and Mentoring

Graduate students gain valuable teaching experience by serving as graduate student instructors (GSIs) for undergraduate and graduate courses. This experience helps develop communication skills and provides insights into pedagogical approaches. There are also opportunities to be a mentor for peers or undergraduates, and leadership training programs to gain differentiating skills and new approaches to working in a collaborative field.

Career Opportunities for Robotics Graduates

Our Robotics graduate alumni are highly sought after by a diverse range of innovative companies and institutions.

Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degree: SUGS

Complete your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in only five years with SUGS by taking some graduate-level classes during your undergraduate years, so you can save yourself one semester and complete the masters with only two additional semesters.

Admissions to Graduate Programs

Apply for either our MS or PhD programs in Robotics, learn about transferring, adding a degree, or continuing on with SUGS.

Research and Innovation at Michigan Robotics

Michigan Robotics is at the forefront of robotics research, with faculty and students actively engaged in a wide range of projects. The department's research spans various areas, including:

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Human-Robot Interaction: Developing robots that can effectively collaborate and interact with humans in various settings.
Autonomous Systems: Creating robots capable of operating independently in complex and dynamic environments.
Robotics in Healthcare: Exploring the use of robots to improve medical procedures and patient care.

Notable Research Projects

A team from the University of Michigan Robotics Department worked with Össur’s Power Knee system to test how improved algorithms, not just hardware, can move the needle for amputees. The results? Even with just two training sessions, participants showed measurable improvement in gait symmetry, toe clearance (lowering trip risk), and reduced mechanical stress on their sound limb. What’s next? Robert Gregg, Michigan Robotics professor, and his team look to expand testing to stairs, ramps, and real-world environments beyond the lab.

Publications and Presentations

Graduate students regularly publish their research in top-tier conferences and journals, establishing their reputation in the robotics community. The MAVRIC lab will have five papers presented!

Facilities and Resources

Michigan Robotics provides state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support its educational and research activities. These include:

Robotics Labs: Equipped with advanced equipment for designing, building, and testing robots.
Mars Yard: A simulated Martian environment for testing robots designed for space exploration.

Impact and Alumni Success

The University of Michigan's robotics programs have a significant impact on the field, producing graduates who go on to make significant contributions in industry, academia, and government.

Alumni in Industry

Earlier this year, I wrapped up an amazing journey at the University of Michigan, completing my MS in Robotics. A special shoutout to the University of Michigan Robotics Department - the work and cutting-edge research happening there are absolutely world-class. The last two years were truly unforgettable; surrounded by brilliant people, inspiring experiences, and Ann Arbor’s beautiful outdoors. My heart will always Go Blue! Fast forward to today: I’ve joined Lucid Motors in Newark, CA as an ADAS Systems Integration Engineer. It’s incredible to be part of the team building the best EVs in the world - and to work on technologies that bring us closer to the era of driverless cars and robotaxis. I’m deeply grateful to my parents and friends for their constant support through it all.

Networking Opportunities

Tap into our network of 85k+ engineering alumni. Do you have questions you’d like answered?

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