Robotics Technicians

Automation Technician

Electrical and Instrumentation Technician (E and I Technician)

Instrument and Automation Technician

Instrument Specialist

Instrument Technician

Instrumentation and Controls Technician

Instrumentation and Process Controls Technician

Process Control Technician

Programmable Logic Controllers Technician

What is a Robotics Technician?

A Robotics Technician is a specialized professional who works with robotic systems and automation technologies. These technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of robotic machinery and automated equipment used in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace. They play a crucial role in ensuring that robotic systems operate efficiently and safely, often working in teams with engineers and other technical staff to implement complex robotic solutions. Robotics Technicians are skilled in understanding both the mechanical and electronic components of robots, and they often utilize programming languages and diagnostic tools to optimize robot performance. Additionally, they may be involved in the design and development of new robotic applications, enhancing productivity and innovation within their respective fields. As automation continues to expand across industries, the demand for Robotics Technicians is expected to grow, making it an increasingly vital career path in the technological landscape.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$44210.0 - $104690.0

New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Make repairs to robots or peripheral equipment, such as replacement of defective circuit boards, sensors, controllers, encoders, or servomotors.
Troubleshoot robotic systems, using knowledge of microprocessors, programmable controllers, electronics, circuit analysis, mechanics, sensor or feedback systems, hydraulics, or pneumatics.
Install, program, or repair programmable controllers, robot controllers, end-of-arm tools, or conveyors.
Maintain service records of robotic equipment or automated production systems.
Modify computer-controlled robot movements.

Technology Skills

Analytical or scientific software
- RoboLogix 7
- Simulink R2023b
- Simulation software
- MATLAB R2023b
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint 365
Industrial control software
- FANUC TAST with iRVision
- Programmable logic controller PLC software
- SIMATIC STEP 7 Professional V18
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Development environment software
- RobotStudio 2023
- Ada 2022
- C17/C18
- Ladder Logic
Operating system software

Tools Used

Microcontrollers
- Programmable automation controllers PAC
- Programmable logic controllers PLC
Signal generators
- Function generators
Photocopiers
- Copy machines
Flowmeters
- Flow meters
Scanners
- Laser scanners

Knowledge

Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

13 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R24,512pm

How to determine if you are ready to be a Robotics Technician in South Africa

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is no longer a future concept in South Africa; it is our current reality. From the automotive assembly lines in Gqeberha to the automated warehouses in Midrand, the demand for skilled professionals is surging. Currently, there are 15 active jobs in the sector, with an average salary of R24,512pm. Market data indicates a robust upward trajectory in remuneration, with entry-to-mid-level monthly earnings rising from approximately R21,570 in January 2024 to an expected R26,963 by December 2024.

Is a Career as a Robotics Technician Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to this career path, it is essential to evaluate your natural inclinations. Successful technicians in the South African landscape generally possess the following traits:

Analytical Problem-Solving: Do you enjoy deconstructing complex issues to find a logical solution?
Mechanical Aptitude: Are you comfortable working with your hands and understanding how gears, motors, and sensors interact?
Precision and Detail-Orientation: Can you follow intricate circuit diagrams and programme code without overlooking minor, yet critical, details?
Technological Curiosity: Do you have a genuine interest in how Artificial Intelligence and automation are transforming local industries?
Spatial Awareness: Can you visualise how a robotic arm moves through a three-dimensional space to avoid obstacles and optimise efficiency?
Resilience: Are you prepared to troubleshoot a persistent mechanical fault during a high-pressure production shift?

A Day in the Life of a South African Robotics Technician

In South Africa, your day typically begins early, often within a fast-paced industrial or manufacturing environment. You aren't just sitting behind a desk; you are the bridge between digital instructions and physical movement. You might start your morning in an automotive plant, performing preventative maintenance on a fleet of welding robots to ensure the production line doesn't stall.

By midday, you could be recalibrating sensors or debugging a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) after a power surge—a common challenge in the local context. You will collaborate with engineers and production managers to optimise cycle times and improve safety protocols. The work is physical, mentally stimulating, and incredibly rewarding as you see massive machines move with the grace and precision you programmed into them.

Education & Upskilling: The Path to Mastery

To enter this field, a solid educational foundation is non-negotiable. South African employers typically look for one of the following paths:

Formal Qualifications: A National Diploma or BEng Tech in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering from a University of Technology (such as TUT, CPUT, or DUT) is highly regarded. Alternatively, N4-N6 certifications from a TVET college provide a vital technical base.
Specialised Short Courses: Certifications in specific robotic brands used locally—such as FANUC, ABB, or Yaskawa—can significantly increase your employability.
Digital Literacy: Proficiency in programming languages like C++ or Python, and familiarity with CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, is increasingly essential.

It is important to remember that in the world of robotics, your education never truly ends. Continuous learning is the cornerstone of a successful career. As technology evolves, you must be prepared to regularly upskill yourself on new software updates, advanced sensors, and collaborative robot (cobot) integration to remain competitive in the job market.

Next Steps

If the blend of mechanical engineering and cutting-edge software excites you, you are already halfway there. However, entering this field requires more than just interest; it requires a calculated understanding of your own strengths and technical gaps. Are you truly prepared for the rigours of the factory floor and the complexities of automated systems? Test your readiness now by taking our comprehensive aptitude assessment to see if you have what it takes to power the future of South African industry.

Skills

Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Abilities

Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Associate's degree

45 %
Post-secondary certificate

23 %

Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Bachelor's degree

18 %

Work Activities

Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Detailed Work Activities

Assemble equipment or components.
Maintain electromechanical equipment.
Repair electronic equipment.
Determine causes of operational problems or failures.
Program robotic equipment.

Work Interests

Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.