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 101Introduction to Civic Engagement1.0
COOP 101Career Management and Professional Development *1.0
UNIV E101The Drexel Experience1.0
Humanities and Social Sciences Requirements
COM 230Techniques of Speaking3.0
ENGL 101Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research3.0
or ENGL 111 English Composition I
ENGL 102Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing3.0
or ENGL 112 English Composition II
ENGL 103Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres3.0
or ENGL 113 English Composition III
HIST 285Technology in Historical Perspective4.0
PHIL 315Engineering Ethics3.0
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 122Calculus II4.0
STAT 201Introduction to Business Statistics4.0
Engineering Technology Core
CMGT 240Economic Planning for Construction3.0
or CIVE 240 Engineering Economic Analysis
ENGR 111Introduction to Engineering Design & Data Analysis3.0
EET 201Circuit Analysis I4.0
EET 202Circuit Analysis II4.0
EET 205Digital Electronics 4.0
EET 208Introduction to Programming for Embedded Systems3.0
EET 209Fundamentals of Virtual Instrumentation3.0
EET 210Introduction to Intelligent Systems for Engineering Applications3.0
EET 311Modeling of Engineering Systems4.0
EET 319PLC Fundamentals4.0
EET 320Renewable Energy Systems3.0
EET 401Applied Microcontrollers4.0
INDE 370Industrial Project Management3.0
MET 100Graphical Communication3.0
MET 101Engineering Materials3.0
MET 204Applied Quality Control3.0
MET 205Robotics and Mechatronics3.0
MET 209Fluid Power4.0
MET 213Applied Mechanics4.0
MET 300Principles of Engineering Design4.0
MHT 205Thermodynamics I3.0
MHT 226Measurement Techniques and Instrumentation3.0
Robotics and Automation Engineering Technology Concentration Requirements
CET 301Advanced Digital Electronics4.0
EET 313Signals and Systems I4.0
INDE 350Industrial Engineering Simulation3.0
MET 310Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics3.0
MET 316Computer Numerical Control3.0
MET 404Digital Instrumentation3.0
MHT 222Applied Dynamics I4.0
MHT 401Mechanical Design I4.0
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 421Senior Design Project I3.0
MET 422Senior Design Project II3.0
MET 423Senior Design Project III3.0
Free Electives
Select any unrestricted 100-499 course7.0
Total Credits185.5
*

Students not participating in co-op will not take COOP 101; 1 credit of Free Elective will be added in place of COOP 101.

**

See General Education Requirements

***

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

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
CHEM 101 General Chemistry I * 0.0,3.5
ENGL 101
Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research
or English Composition I
3.0
ENGR 111 Introduction to Engineering Design & Data Analysis 3.0
MATH 110 Precalculus ** 3.0
PHYS 152 Introductory Physics I 4.0
UNIV E101 The Drexel Experience 1.0
 Credits14-17.5
Winter
CIVC 101 Introduction to Civic Engagement 1.0
EET 208 Introduction to Programming for Embedded Systems 3.0
ENGL 102
Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing
or English Composition II
3.0
MET 100 Graphical Communication 3.0
MATH 121 Calculus I 4.0
PHYS 153 Introductory Physics II 4.0
 Credits18
Spring
EET 209 Fundamentals of Virtual Instrumentation 3.0
ENGL 103
Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres
or English Composition III
3.0
MATH 122 Calculus II 4.0
MET 101 Engineering Materials 0.0,3.0
PHYS 154 Introductory Physics III 4.0
 Credits14-17
Summer
VACATION  
 Credits0
Second Year
Fall
EET 201 Circuit Analysis I 0.0,4.0
EET 320 Renewable Energy Systems 3.0
MET 209 Fluid Power 0.0,4.0
STAT 201 Introduction to Business Statistics 4.0
 Credits7-15
Winter
EET 202 Circuit Analysis II 0.0,4.0
EET 205 Digital Electronics 0.0,4.0
EET 210 Introduction to Intelligent Systems for Engineering Applications 3.0
MET 205 Robotics and Mechatronics 0.0,3.0
MHT 205 Thermodynamics I 3.0
 Credits6-17
Spring
CMGT 240 Economic Planning for Construction 3.0
COM 230 Techniques of Speaking 3.0
HIST 285 Technology in Historical Perspective 4.0
PHIL 315 Engineering Ethics 3.0
 Credits13
Summer
VACATION  
 Credits0
Third Year
Fall
EET 311 Modeling of Engineering Systems 4.0
EET 319 PLC Fundamentals 4.0
INDE 350 Industrial Engineering Simulation 3.0
MET 213 Applied Mechanics 4.0
MET 316 Computer Numerical Control 0.0,3.0
 Credits15-18
Winter
EET 401 Applied Microcontrollers 0.0,4.0
INDE 370 Industrial Project Management 3.0
MET 204 Applied Quality Control 3.0
MET 300 Principles of Engineering Design 4.0
MHT 226 Measurement Techniques and Instrumentation 3.0
 Credits13-17
Spring
General Educational Electives *** 6.0
Technical Elective 3.0
Free Elective 4.0
 Credits13
Summer
VACATION  
 Credits0
Fourth Year
Fall
CET 301 Advanced Digital Electronics 0.0,4.0
MET 310 Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics 3.0
MET 421 Senior Design Project I 3.0
MHT 222 Applied Dynamics I 4.0
 Credits10-14
Winter
EET 313 Signals and Systems I 0.0,4.0
MET 404 Digital Instrumentation 3.0
MET 422 Senior Design Project II 3.0
MHT 401 Mechanical Design I 4.0
 Credits10-14
Spring
MET 423 Senior Design Project III 3.0
General Educational Elective 3.0
Technical Elective 3.0
Free Elective 4.0
 Credits13
 Total Credits146-186.5
*

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.

***

See General Education Requirements

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

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
CHEM 101 General Chemistry I * 0.0,3.5
ENGL 101
Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research
or English Composition I
3.0
ENGR 111 Introduction to Engineering Design & Data Analysis 3.0
MATH 110 Precalculus ** 3.0
PHYS 152 Introductory Physics I 4.0
UNIV E101 The Drexel Experience 1.0
 Credits14-17.5
Winter
CIVC 101 Introduction to Civic Engagement 1.0
EET 208 Introduction to Programming for Embedded Systems 3.0
ENGL 102
Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing
or English Composition II
3.0
MET 100 Graphical Communication 3.0
MATH 121 Calculus I 4.0
PHYS 153 Introductory Physics II 4.0
 Credits18
Spring
COOP 101 Career Management and Professional Development *** 1.0
EET 209 Fundamentals of Virtual Instrumentation 3.0
ENGL 103
Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres
or English Composition III
3.0
MATH 122 Calculus II 4.0
MET 101 Engineering Materials 0.0,3.0
PHYS 154 Introductory Physics III 4.0
 Credits15-18
Summer
VACATION  
 Credits0
Second Year
Fall
EET 201 Circuit Analysis I 0.0,4.0
EET 320 Renewable Energy Systems 3.0
MET 209 Fluid Power 0.0,4.0
STAT 201 Introduction to Business Statistics 4.0
 Credits7-15
Winter
EET 202 Circuit Analysis II 0.0,4.0
EET 205 Digital Electronics 0.0,4.0
EET 210 Introduction to Intelligent Systems for Engineering Applications 3.0
MET 205 Robotics and Mechatronics 0.0,3.0
MHT 205 Thermodynamics I 3.0
 Credits6-17
Spring
CMGT 240 Economic Planning for Construction 3.0
COM 230 Techniques of Speaking 3.0
HIST 285 Technology in Historical Perspective 4.0
PHIL 315 Engineering Ethics 3.0
 Credits13
Summer
General Educational Electives 6.0
Free Electives 7.0
 Credits13
Third Year
Fall
EET 311 Modeling of Engineering Systems 4.0
EET 319 PLC Fundamentals 4.0
INDE 350 Industrial Engineering Simulation 3.0
MET 213 Applied Mechanics 4.0
MET 316 Computer Numerical Control 0.0,3.0
 Credits15-18
Winter
EET 401 Applied Microcontrollers 4.0
INDE 370 Industrial Project Management 3.0
MET 204 Applied Quality Control 3.0
MET 300 Principles of Engineering Design 4.0
MHT 226 Measurement Techniques and Instrumentation 3.0
 Credits17
Spring
COOP EXPERIENCE  
 Credits0
Summer
COOP EXPERIENCE  
 Credits0
Fourth Year
Fall
CET 301 Advanced Digital Electronics 4.0
MET 310 Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics 3.0
MET 421 Senior Design Project I 3.0
MHT 222 Applied Dynamics I 4.0
 Credits14
Winter
EET 313 Signals and Systems I 4.0
MET 422 Senior Design Project II 3.0
MET 404 Digital Instrumentation 3.0
MHT 401 Mechanical Design I 4.0
 Credits14
Spring
MET 423 Senior Design Project III 3.0
General Education elective 3.0
Technical elective †† 3.0
Free elective 3.0
 Credits12
 Total Credits158-186.5
*

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.

See General Education Requirements.

††

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

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
CHEM 101 General Chemistry I * 0.0,3.5
ENGL 101
Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research
or English Composition I
3.0
ENGR 111 Introduction to Engineering Design & Data Analysis 3.0
MATH 110 Precalculus ** 3.0
PHYS 152 Introductory Physics I 4.0
UNIV E101 The Drexel Experience 1.0
 Credits14-17.5
Winter
CIVC 101 Introduction to Civic Engagement 1.0
EET 208 Introduction to Programming for Embedded Systems 3.0
ENGL 102
Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing
or English Composition II
3.0
MATH 121 Calculus I 4.0
MET 100 Graphical Communication 3.0
PHYS 153 Introductory Physics II 4.0
 Credits18
Spring
COOP 101 Career Management and Professional Development *** 1.0
EET 209 Fundamentals of Virtual Instrumentation 3.0
ENGL 103
Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres
or English Composition III
3.0
MATH 122 Calculus II 4.0
MET 101 Engineering Materials 0.0,3.0
PHYS 154 Introductory Physics III 4.0
 Credits15-18
Summer
VACATION  
 Credits0
Second Year
Fall
EET 201 Circuit Analysis I 0.0,4.0
EET 320 Renewable Energy Systems 3.0
MET 209 Fluid Power 0.0,4.0
STAT 201 Introduction to Business Statistics 4.0
 Credits7-15
Winter
EET 202 Circuit Analysis II 0.0,4.0
EET 205 Digital Electronics 0.0,4.0
EET 210 Introduction to Intelligent Systems for Engineering Applications 3.0
MET 205 Robotics and Mechatronics 0.0,3.0
MHT 205 Thermodynamics I 3.0
 Credits6-17
Spring
COOP EXPERIENCE  
 Credits0
Summer
COOP EXPERIENCE  
 Credits0
Third Year
Fall
COM 230 Techniques of Speaking 3.0
EET 311 Modeling of Engineering Systems 4.0
EET 319 PLC Fundamentals 4.0
MET 213 Applied Mechanics 4.0
PHIL 315 Engineering Ethics 3.0
 Credits18
Winter
CMGT 240
Economic Planning for Construction
or Engineering Economic Analysis
3.0
EET 401 Applied Microcontrollers 0.0,4.0
MET 204 Applied Quality Control 3.0
MET 300 Principles of Engineering Design 4.0
MHT 226 Measurement Techniques and Instrumentation 3.0
 Credits13-17
Spring
COOP EXPERIENCE  
 Credits0
Summer
COOP EXPERIENCE  
 Credits0
Fourth Year
Fall
CET 301 Advanced Digital Electronics 4.0
MET 310 Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics 3.0
MET 316 Computer Numerical Control 3.0
MHT 222 Applied Dynamics I 4.0
 Credits14
Winter
EET 313 Signals and Systems I 4.0
INDE 370 Industrial Project Management 3.0
MET 404 Digital Instrumentation 3.0
MHT 401 Mechanical Design I 4.0
 Credits14
Spring
COOP EXPERIENCE  
 Credits0
Summer
COOP EXPERIENCE  
 Credits0
Fifth Year
Fall
HIST 285 Technology in Historical Perspective 4.0
MET 421 Senior Design Project I 3.0
General Education elective 3.0
Free Elective 3.0
 Credits13
Winter
INDE 350 Industrial Engineering Simulation 3.0
MET 422 Senior Design Project II 3.0
General Education elective 3.0
Technical elective †† 3.0
 Credits12
Spring
MET 423 Senior Design Project III 3.0
General Education elective 3.0
Technical elective †† 3.0
Free Elective 4.0
 Credits13
 Total Credits157-186.5
*

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.

See General Education Requirements

††

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.