Robotics Engineering (MS)

WPI’s MS in Robotics Engineering program is a leading, first-of-its-kind graduate program in the nation and an internationally lauded academic program. And for all the serious research that goes on here, we encourage imaginative and creative work with robots. On a campus located in the heart of New England’s robotics industry, you’ll work on innovative robotics projects from the get-go alongside influential and renowned faculty in our state-of-the-art labs.

The open and collaborative atmosphere allows idea sharing with fellow researchers, students, and faculty and fosters a community that’s involved and passionate as they work on breakthrough discoveries in medical and assistive robots, robot motion planning, human-robot interaction, and more.

Graduate Admissions

Curriculum

With some of the most widely respected faculty in the nation and advanced robotics courses, graduate students turn theory into practice as they make robots, create software to operate them, understand how robots communicate, and study the ethical implications of using robots in a human world.

The foundation of robotics course work is supplemented by forward-thinking engineering course options in project management or entrepreneurship and innovation. You’ll have the freedom to design your own capstone work or thesis in whatever area interests you the most, and you’ll work closely with faculty to make sure it advances your study.

Graduate Catalog

This degree is also offered online.

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Similar Degrees

Computer Science (MS)

Electrical & Computer Engineering (MS)

Student working in electrical and computer engineering lab

Mechanical Engineering (MS)

Mechanical engineering student working in computer lab

Research

Robotics research at WPI is ongoing and limitless. With engaged and accessible faculty and diverse research projects and teams, the MS in Robotics Engineering program offers varied opportunities to explore your specialty and make industry connections.

You’ll work alongside faculty and peers on leading-edge research and discover all the potential that robotics holds. Whether you want to explore robotic manipulation, voice recognition, biomechanics and robots, wearable robots, or robotic musical instruments, you’ll find your research niche here.

Several on-campus, high-tech robotics labs allow students the space and equipment needed for research, experiments, and discovery. Whether it’s in the Autonomous Robotics Collaboration (ARC) Lab or the Humanoid Robotics Lab, there’s a place to create and experiment.

Research & Facilities

Faculty Profiles

Craig Putnam

Senior Instructor

Computer Science

After many years in industry, it's time for me to give back. One way I have done that is through my involvement with FIRST Robotics. Over the past 15+ years I have been a FIRST parent, mentor, and team leader. More recently I have been judging in FLL and FRC tournaments at the regional, state, and national level. The other way I give back is through teaching. I take a great deal of pride and pleasure in helping students get off to a good start in their engineering careers. And there is nothing more rewarding than a former student stopping by several years later to say 'Thanks'.

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Mike Gennert

Professor

Computer Science

I teach and conduct research to solve problems that will make the world better: safer, healthier, and happier. Working with undergraduates, graduate students, post-docs, and other faculty, we develop humanoid robots for disaster recovery, robots to inspect trees for invasive insect pests, and autonomous boats for monitoring lakes. In the past I have worked on medical imaging to improve cancer and heart disease diagnoses and treatment, and spatio-temporal databases for global change research. In my spare time I like to hike, bike, ski, canoe, and play frisbee.

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William R. Michalson

Professor

Electrical & Computer Engineering

I joined the faculty of the ECE Department in 1991 after leaving Raytheon Company, where I spent approximately 12 years involved with the development of embedded computers for guidance, communications, and data processing systems for spaceborne and terrestrial applications. At WPI I perform research and teach in the areas of navigation, communications, and computer system design.

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Getting Involved

Robotics graduate students enjoy a campus rich with diverse clubs, groups, and organizations. Many students like to get involved in robotics for fun, too, even taking award-winning teams to international robotics competitions and creating robotics software and devices in their own time.

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Students walking around the fountain in the springtime

After Graduation

Graduates of WPI’s MS in Robotics Engineering program leave with enough hands-on skills and technical experience to advance to a PhD program or to enter the job market with the scientific and interpersonal skills employers seek. Past graduates have found employment at companies like General Dynamics and Technologic Corp.

Career Outlook

Robotics Engineering Program

Affiliations:

Computer Science

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical & Computer Engineering