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FAQ

General information about WPI is located on our Admissions Web site. This FAQ deals specifically with questions about Robotics Engineering at WPI.

I want to major in Robotics Engineering, but I want to focus on a particular discipline. Are there any programs to do so?

It is possible to focus your Robotics Engineering degree on a particular discipline through your choices of electives. There is a wide variety of electives in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Double major programs are also a possibility if you can fit the courses for both majors in your schedule. If this sounds interesting you should discuss the option with your advisor.

I took Robotics at the WPI Frontiers summer program. Do I still need to take RBE 1001?

The Frontiers Robotics program is an excellent foundation to have, but you'll find that there are many additional topics covered as well as extra depth in the material covered in Frontiers. Your experience in Frontiers will put you in a much better position to excel in the course.

What is the difference between ES 2201 and RBE 1001?

RBE 1001 was previously listed as ES 2201, prior to the approval of the Robotics Engineering degree program. If you have taken ES 2201 you should not take RBE 1001.

I know that WPI has an active FIRST Robotics program on campus. Does this have anything to do with the Robotics Engineering Degree?

There have been many academic projects associated with FIRST team robots and there are continued opportunities for academic work. However, the majority of the students participate on a non-academic basis to develop and implement challenging and competitive robotic designs. The significant interest in continuing to learn more about robotics from the FIRST community was one of the factors that inspired the establishment of the Robotics Engineering academic program at WPI.

Is there a graduate program available in Robotics Engineering at WPI?

Yes.  Currently students may register for a Master of Science in Robotics Engineering.  Followi the "Graduate Program" link on the left for more information, sample schedules, and course lists.  It is anticipated that a PhD program will be available in the fall of 2010.

What are the Unified Robotics courses?

The Unified Robotics course series is designed to be an interdisciplinary approach to robotics, with faculty from the Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments teaching side-by-side.

I want to learn more about a certain area of robotics. Are there any additional courses I can take?

Robotics electives are available in areas such as artificial intelligence, wireless networking, mechatronics, nanotechnology, human-computer interaction and many others.

I really enjoy robotics. What robotics activities are available outside of the classroom?

WPI has numerous non-academic robotics activities. There is an active WPI Robotics Club (WRC), a FIRST Robotics Competition team mentored by WPI students, several BattleBots teams, and a new underwater robotics team.

Is there any program advising available?

Please read this document for information about the RBE program collected into one location.

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Last modified: March 12, 2009 13:59:37