Subject

Robotics

Design, build, and program intelligent machines; gaining the hands-on experience in applications ranging from industrial automation to autonomous systems to help shape the future defined by technological excellence.

Robotics

Why study robotics at Essex?

Essex boasts one of the largest robotics facilities in the country. Our Robotics Laboratory, endowed with over £3M in investments and spanning 100m², houses 50+ robotic systems, providing an expansive and well-equipped space to commence your journey into building and programming intelligent systems.

Connect with leading robotics researchers, including Dr Vishuu Mohan, who collaborated with the renowned jam makers Wilkin & Sons of Tiptree on innovative strawberry-picking robots. Explore the research opportunities with the Computer Science and Electronic Engineering Research Experience Scheme, where undergraduates can engage in projects within the School, gaining valuable research skills applicable to future careers.

Ranked among the Top 25 in the UK for Computer Science in THE World University Rankings by Subject 2024, Essex propels graduates into successful careers with some of our recent graduates securing jobs with prominent companies such as National Instruments, McLaren, Google, and Microsoft.

Our courses are designed to arm you with the knowledge and skills needed for this rapidly-changing and innovative industry. Uniquely blending electrical engineering and computer science, the courses cover theoretical and practical aspects of navigation, motion control, sensory perception, autonomous decision-making, and machine learning. Gain expertise in Java and C++ programming, sensors, motion control algorithms, high-level cognition in robotic systems, computer vision, digital signal processing, artificial intelligence, intelligent agents, computer science, data science, machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.

Image of a student programming and flying a drone from a mobile device
Develop the skills needed to program and fly drones in our robot arena
Image of a male student playing a game of Connect 4 with a Baxter robot whilst analysing its performance
Work alongside large robotic systems such as our Baxter robot
Image of a female student testing a Nao robot outside the computer science building
Program one of our Nao robots and test your work on campus

Career prospects

Our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering provides a cutting-edge learning experience, giving students and our alumni the skills for success in the dynamic tech landscape.  Some of our Alumni now work for some of the world's biggest companies, others created their own companies and solved solutions to technological problems. Explore the career opportunities our School can provide you and learn more about our Alumni.

Join us at our next Open Day

We have a Mini Open Day at our Colchester Campus on Saturday 16 November. Book your place to see where you could be calling home, and we'll make sure you have all the information you need to make the most out of your day.

Book your place

Master the robot and explore intelligent systems

Benefit from the forefront research conducted in our School, providing you with a comprehensive grasp of the foundational aspects of this robotic engineering and the programming of intelligent systems. Explore key areas, including:

  • Principles guiding the conversion of sensed data into actionable information
  • Practical aspects of developing intelligent and robotic systems
  • Biologically-inspired robots
  • Biometrics
  • Computational intelligence

Robotics demands a well-rounded understanding encompassing computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, and neuroscience. This interdisciplinary knowledge is crucial for crafting hardware capable of sensing and manipulating the real world. Within this field, advancements have led to the development of diverse technologies, ranging from satellites and submarines to race cars and robots.

Why study here?
  • Work with our team of internationally recognised researchers in one of the largest robotics facilities in the country. Plus gain access to a wealth of research expertise through our research groups in Artificial Intelligence, Brain Computer Interfaces and Neural Engineering, Communications and Networks and Robotics and Embedded Systems.
  • Develop an understanding of the foundations of contemporary intelligent systems.
  • We are Top 250 for Computer Science in THE World University Rankings by Subject 2021.
A headshot of Dr Alba Garcia from the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering.
"A fast changing world needs creative scientists and engineers working with other professionals to provide technology to support society. We nurture students to provide impact and benefit to society."
Dr Alba Garcia LECTURER
Join us at our next Open Day

We have a Mini Open Day at our Colchester Campus on Saturday 16 November. Book your place to see where you could be calling home, and we'll make sure you have all the information you need to make the most out of your day.

Book your place

Continue your research journey

As a research student at Essex you will have access to a wide range of bespoke labs and research facilities which will enable you to undertake cutting-edge research across the exciting and innovative field of robotics. Work with our expert academic staff and other research students to explore contemporary challenges and find solutions to some of the world's greatest modern technological problems.

Our degrees go beyond research, providing hands-on experience in project management, communication, and support for enhancing your numerical and data analysis skills. These invaluable skills are essential for your future career, whether you're aspiring to pursue academia or transition into the private sector.  

Start your application with us

Explore our Robotics, Computer Science and Electronic Engineering research by theme or your area of interest and find a supervisor that can support your through your studies. More information can be found about research degrees on our school pages. Our courses below will help guide you through the various research degree programmes we offer.


Explore funding opportunities Ready to apply? Start your application today
Join us at our next Open Day

We have a Mini Open Day at our Colchester Campus on Saturday 16 November. Book your place to see where you could be calling home, and we'll make sure you have all the information you need to make the most out of your day.

Book your place
A student walking on campus at the University of Essex.
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We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.