Engineering Technology
Robotics and Automation Concentration
The Robotics and Automation Engineering Technology (ROBT) concentration at Drexel University prepares students to engineer smart, responsive systems that are shaping the future of how we live, work, and connect. Designed for students who are passionate about innovation, automation, and intelligent machines, the ROBT concentration combines applied engineering with emerging technologies to equip graduates for dynamic careers in today’s fast-evolving industries.
New trends in industry, science and technology are developing and require new engineers to understand how to integrate robotics, automation and effective human-machine teaming for manufacturing and critical services such as healthcare and infrastructure inspection. Such trends include the digital engineering revolution encompassing autonomous cars and drones, the Internet of Things, 5G mobile communications, digital design and advanced manufacturing.
Built on Drexel’s multidisciplinary, practice-based Engineering Technology framework, this concentration focuses on the integration of mechanical, electrical, computer, and control systems. The core ET-ROBT curriculum combines courses and experiences that provide a strong foundation in the disciplines that comprise robotics and automation. Students gain the skills to design, program, and implement robotic and automated technologies that solve complex problems and improve efficiency across sectors such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, infrastructure, and entertainment.
Curriculum Highlights
Students in the ROBT concentration complete a comprehensive course of study that includes:
- Robotics kinematics and motion control
- Mechatronics and intelligent automation
- Embedded systems and programming for robotics
- System dynamics and signal processing
- Sensors, instrumentation, and control systems
- Pneumatic and hydraulic systems
- Industrial robotics and automation platforms
The curriculum emphasizes lab-based instruction, project-driven learning, and a three-term capstone design project, often developed in collaboration with industry sponsors. Through these experiences, students apply engineering principles to build and test real robotic systems, developing the technical and creative skills needed for professional success.
Why Trust Drexel’s ROBT Program?
- Real-World Learning: Students work with robotics kits, simulation environments, and advanced automation systems to develop confidence and competence. Courses are designed around industry practices and include hands-on labs and team-based projects.
- Career-Focused Education: The ROBT curriculum prepares students for careers in advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, medical and assistive robotics, infrastructure inspection, and other high-demand fields. Students build foundational knowledge in robotics, motion control, system integration, and human-machine interaction.
- Industry Experience Through Co-op: Drexel’s nationally recognized cooperative education program offers up to 18 months of paid, full-time experience, allowing students to build professional networks, gain career-relevant skills, and secure job offers before graduation.
- Multidisciplinary Training: Students gain expertise across mechanical, electrical, and computer systems, enabling them to design integrated solutions and collaborate in multidisciplinary teams—just like in real-world engineering environments.
- Personalized Pathways: Elective coursework allows students to tailor their academic experience toward specialized interests such as autonomous systems, wearable robotics, AI integration, or animatronic design.
- Supportive Environment: Faculty and advisors bring deep industry knowledge and a student-centered approach to teaching and mentorship, guiding students through academic challenges and career planning.
Career Outlook
Graduates of the ROBT concentration are prepared for a wide range of careers in industries and sectors such as:
- Advanced manufacturing and automation
- Aerospace and defense systems
- Medical robotics and assistive technologies
- Autonomous vehicles and drone systems
- Infrastructure inspection and construction robotics
- Consumer electronics and home automation
- Entertainment technology and animatronic design
Representative job titles include:
- Robotics Engineer
- Automation Systems Engineer
- Mechatronics Engineer
- Embedded Systems Developer
- Control Systems Specialist
- Test and Validation Engineer
- Systems Integration Engineer
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the ROBT concentration will be able to:
- Design, analyze, and implement robotic and automated systems for real-world applications
- Integrate sensors, actuators, and control systems using modern programming and simulation tools
- Apply engineering principles across mechanical, electrical, and digital domains to create intelligent technologies
- Evaluate system performance and apply iterative testing to optimize reliability and functionality
- Communicate effectively within multidisciplinary teams and adapt to emerging trends in robotics and automation
- Demonstrate leadership in applying automation technologies to societal challenges and opportunities
Robotics and automation engineering technology is more than machines—it’s about creating systems that improve lives, automate critical tasks, and open new frontiers. The ROBT concentration at Drexel prepares students not just to participate in that future, but to lead it.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the BS in Engineering Technology page.
Degree Requirements
| University Requirements | ||
| CIVC 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
| COOP 101 | Career Management and Professional Development * | 1.0 |
| UNIV E101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements | ||
| COM 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
| ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
| or ENGL 111 | English Composition I | |
| ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
| or ENGL 112 | English Composition II | |
| ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
| or ENGL 113 | English Composition III | |
| HIST 285 | Technology in Historical Perspective | 4.0 |
| PHIL 315 | Engineering Ethics | 3.0 |
| General Educational Electives ** | 9.0 | |
| Basic Science Requirements | ||
| Chemistry Requirements *** | ||
| Select one of the following options based on the placement exam: | 3.5-5.5 | |
| Option A: | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| Option B: | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory | ||
| Physics Requirements | ||
| Select one of the following options based on placement exam: | 8.0-12.0 | |
| Option A: | ||
| Introductory Physics I | ||
| Introductory Physics II | ||
| Introductory Physics III | ||
| Option B: | ||
| Fundamentals of Physics I | ||
| Fundamentals of Physics II | ||
| Mathematics Requirements † | ||
| Select one of the following options based on the placement exam: | 4.0-10.0 | |
| Option A: | ||
| Precalculus and Calculus I | ||
| Option B: | ||
| Algebra, Functions, and Trigonometry and Calculus I | ||
| Option C: | ||
| Calculus and Functions I and Calculus and Functions II †† | ||
| Option D: | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| MATH 122 | Calculus II | 4.0 |
| STAT 201 | Introduction to Business Statistics | 4.0 |
| Engineering Technology Core | ||
| CMGT 240 [WI] | Economic Planning for Construction | 3.0 |
| or CIVE 240 | Engineering Economic Analysis | |
| ENGR 111 | Introduction to Engineering Design & Data Analysis | 3.0 |
| EET 201 | Circuit Analysis I | 4.0 |
| EET 202 | Circuit Analysis II | 4.0 |
| EET 205 | Digital Electronics | 4.0 |
| EET 208 | Introduction to Programming for Embedded Systems | 3.0 |
| EET 209 | Fundamentals of Virtual Instrumentation | 3.0 |
| EET 210 | Introduction to Intelligent Systems for Engineering Applications | 3.0 |
| EET 311 | Modeling of Engineering Systems | 4.0 |
| EET 319 | PLC Fundamentals | 4.0 |
| EET 320 | Renewable Energy Systems | 3.0 |
| EET 401 | Applied Microcontrollers | 4.0 |
| INDE 370 | Industrial Project Management | 3.0 |
| MET 100 | Graphical Communication | 3.0 |
| MET 101 | Engineering Materials | 3.0 |
| MET 204 | Applied Quality Control | 3.0 |
| MET 205 | Robotics and Mechatronics | 3.0 |
| MET 209 | Fluid Power | 4.0 |
| MET 213 | Applied Mechanics | 4.0 |
| MET 300 | Principles of Engineering Design | 4.0 |
| MHT 205 | Thermodynamics I | 3.0 |
| MHT 226 | Measurement Techniques and Instrumentation | 3.0 |
| Robotics and Automation Engineering Technology Concentration Requirements | ||
| CET 301 | Advanced Digital Electronics | 4.0 |
| EET 313 | Signals and Systems I | 4.0 |
| INDE 350 | Industrial Engineering Simulation | 3.0 |
| MET 310 | Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics | 3.0 |
| MET 316 | Computer Numerical Control | 3.0 |
| MET 404 | Digital Instrumentation | 3.0 |
| MHT 222 | Applied Dynamics I | 4.0 |
| MHT 401 | Mechanical Design I | 4.0 |
| ROBT Technical Electives | ||
| Select any non-required 300-499 course in the following subject: ‡ | 6.0 | |
Any EET (Electrical Engineering Technology) course | ||
Any INDE (Industrial Engineering) course | ||
Any MET (Manufacturing Engineering Technology) course | ||
Any MHT (Mechanical Engineering Technology) course | ||
| Capstone Course Requirements | ||
| MET 421 [WI] | Senior Design Project I | 3.0 |
| MET 422 | Senior Design Project II | 3.0 |
| MET 423 [WI] | Senior Design Project III | 3.0 |
| Free Electives | ||
| Select any unrestricted 100-499 course | 7.0 | |
| Total Credits | 185.5 | |
- *
Students not participating in co-op will not take COOP 101; 1 credit of Free Elective will be added in place of COOP 101.
- **
- ***
CHEM course is determined by the student's Chemistry Placement Exam score and the completion of a summer online preparatory course available based on that score.
- †
MATH course is determined by the student's Calculus Placement Exam score and the completion of any summer online preparatory courses available based on that score.
- ††
Some students may need a one-credit concurrent practicum course depending on their calculus exam score and summer preparatory review participation.
- ‡
See Advisor
Writing-Intensive Course Requirements
In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.
Sample Plan of Study
4 year, no co-op
| First Year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| CHEM 101* | 3.5 | CIVC 101 | 1.0 | EET 209 | 3.0 | VACATION | |
| ENGL 101 or 111 | 3.0 | EET 208 | 3.0 | ENGL 103 or 113 | 3.0 | ||
| ENGR 111 | 3.0 | ENGL 102 or 112 | 3.0 | MATH 122 | 4.0 | ||
| MATH 110** | 3.0 | MET 100 | 3.0 | MET 101 | 3.0 | ||
| PHYS 152 | 4.0 | MATH 121 | 4.0 | PHYS 154 | 4.0 | ||
| UNIV E101 | 1.0 | PHYS 153 | 4.0 | ||||
| 17.5 | 18 | 17 | 0 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| EET 201 | 4.0 | EET 202 | 4.0 | CMGT 240 | 3.0 | VACATION | |
| EET 320 | 3.0 | EET 205 | 4.0 | COM 230 | 3.0 | ||
| MET 209 | 4.0 | EET 210 | 3.0 | HIST 285 | 4.0 | ||
| STAT 201 | 4.0 | MET 205 | 3.0 | PHIL 315 | 3.0 | ||
| MHT 205 | 3.0 | ||||||
| 15 | 17 | 13 | 0 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| EET 311 | 4.0 | EET 401 | 4.0 | General Educational Electives*** | 6.0 | VACATION | |
| EET 319 | 4.0 | INDE 370 | 3.0 | Technical Elective | 3.0 | ||
| INDE 350 | 3.0 | MET 204 | 3.0 | Free Elective† | 4.0 | ||
| MET 213 | 4.0 | MET 300 | 4.0 | ||||
| MET 316 | 3.0 | MHT 226 | 3.0 | ||||
| 18 | 17 | 13 | 0 | ||||
| Fourth Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| CET 301 | 4.0 | EET 313 | 4.0 | MET 423 | 3.0 | ||
| MET 310 | 3.0 | MET 404 | 3.0 | General Educational Elective | 3.0 | ||
| MET 421 | 3.0 | MET 422 | 3.0 | Technical Elective | 3.0 | ||
| MHT 222 | 4.0 | MHT 401 | 4.0 | Free Elective | 4.0 | ||
| 14 | 14 | 13 | |||||
| Total Credits 186.5 | |||||||
- *
CHEM course is determined by the student's Chemistry Placement Exam score and the completion of a summer online preparatory course available based on that score.
- **
MATH course is determined by the student's Calculus Placement Exam score and the completion of any summer online preparatory courses available based on that score.
- ***
- †
Students not participating in co-op will not take COOP 101; 1 credit of Free Elective will be added in place of COOP 101.
- ††
Students select 6.0 additional credits from any 300 or higher level HET, EET, MET, MHT, INDE, MEM, or ECE courses not already required. See advisor for specific courses.
4 year, 1 co-op
| First Year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| CHEM 101* | 3.5 | CIVC 101 | 1.0 | COOP 101*** | 1.0 | VACATION | |
| ENGL 101 or 111 | 3.0 | EET 208 | 3.0 | EET 209 | 3.0 | ||
| ENGR 111 | 3.0 | ENGL 102 or 112 | 3.0 | ENGL 103 or 113 | 3.0 | ||
| MATH 110** | 3.0 | MET 100 | 3.0 | MATH 122 | 4.0 | ||
| PHYS 152 | 4.0 | MATH 121 | 4.0 | MET 101 | 3.0 | ||
| UNIV E101 | 1.0 | PHYS 153 | 4.0 | PHYS 154 | 4.0 | ||
| 17.5 | 18 | 18 | 0 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| EET 201 | 4.0 | EET 202 | 4.0 | CMGT 240 | 3.0 | General Educational Electives | 6.0 |
| EET 320 | 3.0 | EET 205 | 4.0 | COM 230 | 3.0 | Free Electives | 7.0 |
| MET 209 | 4.0 | EET 210 | 3.0 | HIST 285 | 4.0 | ||
| STAT 201 | 4.0 | MET 205 | 3.0 | PHIL 315 | 3.0 | ||
| MHT 205 | 3.0 | ||||||
| 15 | 17 | 13 | 13 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| EET 311 | 4.0 | EET 401 | 4.0 | COOP EXPERIENCE | COOP EXPERIENCE | ||
| EET 319 | 4.0 | INDE 370 | 3.0 | ||||
| INDE 350 | 3.0 | MET 204 | 3.0 | ||||
| MET 213 | 4.0 | MET 300 | 4.0 | ||||
| MET 316 | 3.0 | MHT 226 | 3.0 | ||||
| 18 | 17 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| Fourth Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| CET 301 | 4.0 | EET 313 | 4.0 | MET 423 | 3.0 | ||
| MET 310 | 3.0 | MET 422 | 3.0 | General Education elective† | 3.0 | ||
| MET 421 | 3.0 | MET 404 | 3.0 | Technical elective†† | 3.0 | ||
| MHT 222 | 4.0 | MHT 401 | 4.0 | Free elective | 3.0 | ||
| 14 | 14 | 12 | |||||
| Total Credits 186.5 | |||||||
- *
CHEM course is determined by the student's Chemistry Placement Exam score and the completion of a summer online preparatory course available based on that score.
- **
MATH course is determined by the student's Calculus Placement Exam score and the completion of any summer online preparatory courses available based on that score.
- ***
Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major.
COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.
- †
- ††
Students select 6.0 additional credits from any 300 or higher level HET, EET, MET, MHT, INDE, MEM, or ECE courses not already required. See advisor for specific courses.
5 year, 3 co-op
| First Year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| CHEM 101* | 3.5 | CIVC 101 | 1.0 | COOP 101*** | 1.0 | VACATION | |
| ENGL 101 or 111 | 3.0 | EET 208 | 3.0 | EET 209 | 3.0 | ||
| ENGR 111 | 3.0 | ENGL 102 or 112 | 3.0 | ENGL 103 or 113 | 3.0 | ||
| MATH 110** | 3.0 | MATH 121 | 4.0 | MATH 122 | 4.0 | ||
| PHYS 152 | 4.0 | MET 100 | 3.0 | MET 101 | 3.0 | ||
| UNIV E101 | 1.0 | PHYS 153 | 4.0 | PHYS 154 | 4.0 | ||
| 17.5 | 18 | 18 | 0 | ||||
| Second Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| EET 201 | 4.0 | EET 202 | 4.0 | COOP EXPERIENCE | COOP EXPERIENCE | ||
| EET 320 | 3.0 | EET 205 | 4.0 | ||||
| MET 209 | 4.0 | EET 210 | 3.0 | ||||
| STAT 201 | 4.0 | MET 205 | 3.0 | ||||
| MHT 205 | 3.0 | ||||||
| 15 | 17 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| Third Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| COM 230 | 3.0 | CMGT 240 or CIVE 240 | 3.0 | COOP EXPERIENCE | COOP EXPERIENCE | ||
| EET 311 | 4.0 | EET 401 | 4.0 | ||||
| EET 319 | 4.0 | MET 204 | 3.0 | ||||
| MET 213 | 4.0 | MET 300 | 4.0 | ||||
| PHIL 315 | 3.0 | MHT 226 | 3.0 | ||||
| 18 | 17 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| Fourth Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| CET 301 | 4.0 | EET 313 | 4.0 | COOP EXPERIENCE | COOP EXPERIENCE | ||
| MET 310 | 3.0 | INDE 370 | 3.0 | ||||
| MET 316 | 3.0 | MET 404 | 3.0 | ||||
| MHT 222 | 4.0 | MHT 401 | 4.0 | ||||
| 14 | 14 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| Fifth Year | |||||||
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| HIST 285 | 4.0 | INDE 350 | 3.0 | MET 423 | 3.0 | ||
| MET 421 | 3.0 | MET 422 | 3.0 | General Education elective† | 3.0 | ||
| General Education elective† | 3.0 | General Education elective† | 3.0 | Technical elective†† | 3.0 | ||
| Free Elective | 3.0 | Technical elective†† | 3.0 | Free Elective | 4.0 | ||
| 13 | 12 | 13 | |||||
| Total Credits 186.5 | |||||||
- *
CHEM course is determined by the student's Chemistry Placement Exam score and the completion of a summer online preparatory course available based on that score.
- **
MATH course is determined by the student's Calculus Placement Exam score and the completion of any summer online preparatory courses available based on that score.
- ***
Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major.
COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.
- †
- ††
Students select 6.0 additional credits from any 300 or higher level HET, EET, MET, MHT, INDE, MEM, or ECE courses not already required. See advisor for specific courses.
Program Level Outcomes
- Apply knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline;
- Design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline;
- Apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly-defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature;
- Conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes; and
- Function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical teams.