This post is part of our series on getting a remote production engineer job.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Fuxin Intelligent.

If you're preparing for production engineer interviews, see also our comprehensive interview questions and answers for the following production engineer specializations:

1. What inspired you to specialize in automation and robotics?

My interest in automation and robotics began during my undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering. I was fascinated by how machines could perform complex tasks with precision and speed. As part of my final year project, I designed a robotic arm that could mimic human movements and perform tasks like picking and placing objects.

After graduation, I worked with a leading automobile manufacturer where I was responsible for developing automated production lines. The use of automation not only saved significant costs but also improved productivity and quality. For example, by automating the assembly line, we were able to reduce production time by 40% and increase quality control standards by detecting errors in real-time.

Additionally, I became aware of the huge potential for using robotics in healthcare. In collaboration with a team of doctors, I developed a robotic system that could perform minimally invasive surgery with greater precision and speed, resulting in shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times for patients.

These experiences have inspired me to specialize in automation and robotics. I believe that the use of automation and robotics is the future of many industries, it has the potential to transform the way we live and work. I am excited to continue exploring the possibilities of robotics and automation and working on projects that make a positive impact on people's lives.

2. What are the biggest challenges you face when designing automated systems?

When designing automated systems, there are a few key challenges that I frequently encounter:

1. Integrating with existing systems: Many businesses have established processes and systems already in place, and it can be a challenge to design an automated system that seamlessly integrates with those systems. In my experience, taking the time to thoroughly understand the existing systems and processes is crucial to designing a successful automation system that doesn't disrupt the flow of work.
2. Ensuring accuracy: With any automation system, accuracy is paramount. In some cases, there's little margin for error. Through my work, I've learned that designing a system with built-in redundancies and safety checks helps catch errors before they become costly mistakes. I've also implemented machine learning algorithms to improve accuracy over time.
3. Managing the cost: Implementing an automation system can be expensive, and it's important to strike a balance between the cost and the anticipated return on investment. In my previous project at XYZ company, we built a robotic system that increased the efficiency of the manufacturing process by 40%, reducing the company's labor expense and additional expenses.
4. Training and documentation: Once an automation system is in place, ongoing maintenance, training and documentation are crucial to keeping the system running smoothly. It is also necessary to provide adequate training to employees that will interact with the system. Creating detailed documentation and a roadmap to plan for and guide any changes is also important. At ABC company, I designed an automation system for order processing, and I created a training course for employees and documented the processes for future updates and maintenance.

By anticipating these challenges and addressing them early in the design process, I've been able to create automation systems that are cost-effective, accurate, and easy to maintain. Additionally, the successful implementation of these automation systems have resulted in business growth and expansion. I hope to use this experience to contribute to the success of my future employer's automated systems.

3. What experience do you have implementing robotic systems for production?

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to implement robotic systems for production in several organizations. For instance, at ABC Manufacturing, I led a team that integrated robotic arms into the assembly line in order to automate the welding process. This resulted in a 45% increase in productivity and a 30% decrease in defects, as the robots were able to perform the task with precision and consistency.

Additionally, at XYZ Logistics, I implemented autonomous vehicles to transport goods within the warehouse. This reduced the time required for transportation by 50% and eliminated the risk of human error or accidents that could lead to delays or damage to the products.

1. Implemented welding robots at ABC Manufacturing, leading to a 45% increase in productivity and a 30% decrease in defects
2. Implemented autonomous vehicles at XYZ Logistics, reducing transportation time by 50% and eliminating the risk of human error or accidents.

4. How do you keep your knowledge of automation and robotics up to date?

As a passionate automation and robotics enthusiast, I am always eager to learn more about the latest technologies and advancements in the field. To keep my knowledge up-to-date, I follow various industry blogs and subscribe to relevant newsletters that provide information on trending technologies and new product releases.

I regularly attend conferences and networking events where industry experts share their experiences and insights. For instance, I recently attended the International Automation and Robotics Conference, where I participated in talks centered on the latest industrial automation techniques, such as mobile robots, collaborative robots (cobots), and machine learning algorithms.

Additionally, I am an active participant in various online forums and virtual communities. I engage with other automation and robotics enthusiasts, sharing my knowledge on existing technologies while also gaining insights on new and emerging trends.

Finally, I continually enhance my skills by undertaking training courses and seeking certification in niche areas of automation and robotics. For instance, I recently completed a course on ROS (Robot Operating System), which encompassed everything from the fundamentals of ROS and the core concepts, to advanced topics like distributed systems, sensors, and perception modules.

Through these efforts, I have been able to implement a number of projects that have achieved significant positive results. For instance, I recently developed a robotic arm that was able to reduce the production costs of our factory by 40% due to its efficiency in carrying out repetitive tasks.

5. How do you determine the ROI and justification for implementing automation?

One way to determine the return on investment (ROI) and justification for implementing automation is to conduct a cost-benefit analysis. This involves comparing the cost of implementing the automation solution with the potential benefits or savings it can generate.

1. First, we would analyze the current process and gather data on the cost of labor, material, and any other expenses associated with the process.

2. Next, we would estimate the cost of implementing the automation solution, including any hardware, software, and training expenses.

3. We would then calculate the estimated savings or benefits that the automation solution could provide. For instance, by automating a manual process, we may be able to reduce the time it takes to complete the task, decrease errors, or increase throughput.

4. Based on these calculations, we can determine the ROI of the automation solution. For example, if the costs of implementing the solution are recouped within one year and the benefits continue for several years, the ROI would be considered high.

In addition to determining ROI, we would also consider the intangible benefits of automation. For example, by automating certain tasks, we may be able to free up employees to focus on higher-value tasks that require human expertise.

Overall, when it comes to justifying automation, the key is to analyze the data and make informed decisions based on the potential benefits and costs. By doing so, we can ensure that the investment in automation will generate a positive return and drive long-term business success.

6. What is your experience with PLC programming?

During my time as a Controls Engineer at XYZ Manufacturing, I spent a significant amount of time working with PLC programming. In fact, I was responsible for programming and troubleshooting PLCs for several production lines, resulting in a 20% increase in overall production efficiency.

1. To achieve this increase in efficiency, I first analyzed the existing PLC programs and identified areas that could be improved.
2. Then, I designed and implemented new programs that optimized the production process and minimized downtime.
3. I also trained production staff on how to operate and maintain the PLCs, resulting in a significant decrease in machine downtime due to operator errors.
4. Furthermore, I integrated the PLCs with other automation technologies, such as robotic arms and conveyors, resulting in a seamless production process with minimal human intervention.
5. Overall, my experience with PLC programming has allowed me to significantly improve production efficiency and reduce downtime at previous companies. I am confident that I can bring this experience to your company and make a positive impact on your automation and robotics operations.

7. What is your experience with robotic programming?

During my time at XYZ Robotics, I was responsible for programming a fleet of robots to operate in a warehouse environment. As a result of my work, we were able to reduce picking time by 50%, resulting in a cost savings of over $500,000 per year for the company.

1. Developed and implemented a custom algorithm for route optimization, resulting in a 30% reduction in travel time for the robots.
2. Programmed the robots to operate in a dynamic environment, allowing them to handle unexpected obstacles and changes in the layout of the warehouse.
3. Created a user-friendly interface for the operators to interact with the robots, minimizing the need for specialized training and reducing downtime.

Overall, my experience with robotic programming has not only saved the company money but also streamlined operations and improved efficiency.

8. What is the most complex robotic system you have worked on?

During my time working at XYZ Robotics, I was tasked with programming and testing the company's most complex robotic system to date. The system was designed to automate the production line of a large manufacturing company that produced airplane parts.

1. First, I studied the production line process and identified the key areas that required automation.
2. From there, I developed a custom software program using C++ to control the robotic arm's movements and perform precise tasks.
3. After programming the robotic arm, I ran numerous tests to ensure that it was functioning properly and accurately.
4. One of the most challenging aspects of this project was designing a vision system that could detect objects on the conveyor belt and adjust the robotic arm's movements accordingly. I worked with a team of engineers to develop a sophisticated computer vision algorithm that allowed the system to identify objects with incredible accuracy.
5. The system was finally installed and tested on the production line, where it increased productivity by 50% and reduced errors to less than 1%. This was a major win for both our company and the manufacturing company we were working with.

Overall, working on this complex robotic system provided me with invaluable experience in developing custom software, designing intricate control algorithms, and working alongside a team of engineers to achieve a common goal.

9. What is your experience with machine vision systems?

During my previous work experience at XYZ Company, I had the opportunity to work with machine vision systems extensively. In fact, I led a team of engineers to design and implement a new machine vision system for inspecting products on the production line.

1. First, we identified the key characteristics that the system needed to detect, such as size, shape, and color.
2. Then, we selected the appropriate hardware and software components to support these functions.
3. After that, we developed and tested multiple algorithms to accurately recognize these characteristics.
4. Finally, we integrated the system into the production line and monitored its performance over time.

The outcome of this project was significant. We were able to reduce the number of faulty products that made it through the production line by 75%, resulting in a cost savings of over $500,000 per year. Additionally, the machine vision system allowed us to identify areas for process optimization and improve our overall efficiency by 15%.

I am excited to bring this experience and knowledge to your organization and continue to contribute to the development of automation and robotics technology.

10. Can you provide an example of a successful automation implementation you have been a part of?

During my time at XYZ corporation, I was involved in automating the company's manufacturing process. This involved implementing a system for the assembly line that increased productivity and efficiency.

1. Firstly, we analyzed the manufacturing process to identify where a system could be implemented.
2. Next, we sourced a solution to replace the manual labor with robot arms and sensors that would work in conjunction with human workers.
3. We then conducted tests to ensure that the system was working correctly before implementing it across the entire production floor.

The results of the automation implementation were significant. The company experienced a 35% reduction in production time, and a 25% reduction in errors, resulting in an increase in product quality. The company was also able to reduce the number of human workers needed in the assembly line, which led to significant cost savings.

Overall, the automation implementation was a massive success, contributing to increased efficiency, cost savings, and an overall improvement in productivity.

Conclusion

Congratulations on reading through the "10 Automation and Robotics interview questions and answers in " blog post! If you're seeking a job in this field, it's important to remember that having a standout cover letter is crucial. Check out our guide on writing a compelling cover letter to get started. Additionally, it's important to have an impressive resume. Our guide for writing a production engineer resume can help make your application stand out among the competition. Lastly, Remote Rocketship has a job board specifically for remote production engineer jobs. Good luck in your job search!

Robotics Interview questions

A list of top frequently asked Robotics Interview Questions and answers are given below.

1) What do you understand by the term, the robotics?

The robotics is a combined branch of engineering and science which deals with the study of development, operation, and control of intelligent robots. The robotics is a part of Artificial intelligence.

The robotics technology is used for the development of machines which can perform a complex human task in a very efficient way.

2) What is a robot?

A robot is a programmable machine which is capable of doing complex tasks automatically with precision and efficiency. The robots can be guided by external or internal input to perform any work.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website industrial robotic arm manufacturer.

A robot can be designed as resembled as human or it can be designed as a standard machine look alike.

3) Which was the first industrial robot?

The first industrial robot was "Unimate." It was manufactured by American inventor George Devol in and used in . It was produced for the transportation of die casting form an assembly line and then welding on auto bodies.

4) What are the Laws of the robotics?

The "Three Laws of the robotics" also known as "Asimov's law," given by the author Isaac Asimov. The three laws are given below:

1. First law: A the robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. Second law: A the robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. Third law: A the robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.

After that Asimov also added one more law which precedes the other laws:

Zeroth law: A the robot may not harm humanity, or, by inaction, allow humanity to come to harm.

5) List the name of the areas where the robotics can be applied?

Now a day's the robotics can be applied to most of the areas to provide efficient work with the highest precision and in less time. So there is an overview of areas where robots can be applied in day to day life as well.

• Military Area
• Industrial Area
• Agriculture Industries
• Domestic Areas
• Medical Areas
• Researches

6) What do you understand by "humanoid robot"?

A robot which looks like overall as a Human body is known as a Humanoid robot. A Humanoid robot can have human facial expressions with the features. There are two types of the Humanoid robot to resemble as male and female:

• Android Humanoid: They are built to resemble a male body
• Gynoids Humanoid: They are made to resemble a female body.

A humanoid robot is entirely an automatic robot which can interact with the Humans and also can react according to the surrounding.

Sophia is a first humanoid which has also got citizenship from the country of Saudi Arabia.

7) What are the basic aspects of the robotics?

The basic aspects of the robotics to create a robot are given below:

• Electrical/electronic components- The robotics required electrical and electronic components as power supply, sensors, and microcontroller and motors circuits.
• Mechanical equipment- The robotics required mechanical equipment for giving shape or designing the body of a robot
• Computer programs- The robotics also includes computer programs to provide the instructions to the robot as what type of task, when it should be done, how it should be done, etc. Robo ML, ROBOFORTH, XRCL, and visual programming are the programming languages which are used in the robotics.

8) What are the components of a robot?

There are the basic components of a robot which are given below:

• Power supply- Power supply is the main components for the run of any device or machine. So a robot also takes energy from the power supply to perform a task. It can be provided from the batteries, hydraulic, solar power or pneumatic power sources.
• Actuators- Actuators are the devices which convert energy into movement.
• Electric motors (DC/AC) - Motors are used to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. Most of the robots used these motors to provide various type of movements to their parts. Brushless and brushed DC motors used in portable the robots and AC motors used in industrial the robots.
• Sensors- Sensors are used to sense the changes in surrounding and produce a signal. Hence the robots are also equipped with the various types of sensors to detect the environment and responded accordingly.
• Controller- Controller is the brain of a robot, which controls and co-ordinate with all parts of the robot. And with the help of the controller, the robot can perform all the assigned task. A Microprocessor is a core part of the controller, which takes various signals as Input and generate a corresponding output signal.

9) Why do we use robots in the industry?

There are the following reasons to use the robots in industry:

• The robots are used in industry as the robots can perform a task with the highest precision and efficiency.
• The robots can be operated 24/7 for continues production.
• The robots can perform some dangerous tasks in the industry.
• The robots are cost-effective concerning the industry.

10) What is AI? Why do we implement AI in the robots?

Artificial intelligence is a technology which can develop intelligent devices that can react and work as a human being. AI includes:

• Speech recognition
• Learning
• Problem-solving
• Planning

Implementation of AI in the robots makes a robot intelligent which can perform a complex task, and it can sense the environment and react accordingly.

11) What are various types of sensors used in the robotics?

There are the following sensors which can be used in the robotics:

• Light sensors- A light sensor detect light and create a voltage difference, which is equivalent to the light intensity fall on the sensor.
  The two main Light sensors which used in the robotics are:
  1. Photovoltaic cells
  2. Photo-resistor sensor
• Sound sensors- This sensors are microphones which detects sound and return a voltage difference equivalents to the level of sound. Example of a sound sensor is: Instruct a robot by clap.
• Temperature sensor- Temperature sensors sense the change in temperature of the surrounding. It provides a voltage difference equivalent to a change in temperature occurred.
  Example of temperature sensor IC's are LM34, LM35, TMP35, TMP36, and TMP37.
• Proximity sensor- Proximity sensor can sense any nearby object without any physical contact. Following are the type of proximity sensor used in the robotics:
  1. Infrared (IR) Transceivers,
  2. Ultrasonic Sensor
  3. Photo-resistor sensor
• Acceleration Sensor- Accelerometer is a device which detects the acceleration and can tilt accordingly.
• Navigation sensor- These are the sensors which are used to identify the position of the robot. Some of the navigation sensors are:
  1. GPS (global positioning system)
  2. Digital Magnetic compass
  3. Localization

12) What is a robot Locomotion?

The robot locomotion is a group of methods which a robot used to transport itself from one place to another place. There are various types of robot locomotion, which are given below:-

• Walking
• Running
• Rolling
• Hopping
• Swimming
• Slithering
• Hybrid

13) What is Autonomous robot?

A type of robot which can perform any task with autonomy is called an Autonomous robot. An autonomous robot can do work with its own decision without human interaction.

14) What is, "human-robot interaction"?

Human-robot interaction is a field of study which defines an interaction or communication between a robot and Human. The "Three Laws of The robotics" are given on HRI, which defines a safe interaction between a human and a robot.

15) How to send information from the robot sensors to the robot controllers?

We can send any information from the robot sensor to the robot controller through the signal.

16) What is the Pneumatic System in The robotics?

A Pneumatic system is used to drive a machine by using compressed gases. In the robotics, servo motors and electric motors can be replaced by a pneumatic system.

A pneumatic system consists of a cylinder piston which can move up and down direction to create pressure.

17) Name the basic unit of a robot which can be programmed to give instructions to the robot?

The controller is the basic unit of a robot which can be programmed and it can give all type of instructions to perform any tasks.

18) What is the degree of freedom in the robotics? How can it be determined?

The Degree of freedom in the robotics defines the freedom of movement of the mechanical parts of a robot. It defines the modes by which a machine can move.

The Degree of Freedom can be determined as the number of movable joints in the base, the arm, and the end effectors of the robot.

19) What is PROLOG used in Artificial intelligence?

• PROLOG is an acronym for Programming logic.
• PROLOG is a high-level programming language used primarily in Artificial intelligence, and It consists of the list of rules and fact
• PROLOG is called a declarative programming language

20) What is LISP?

• LISP stands for List programming
• LISP mainly used for Artificial intelligence because it can process symbolic information with efficiency.

21) What are the axes of movement of the robot?

• Wrist rotation
• X-Y coordinate motion
• Elbow rotation

22) What do you understand by numerical control?

Numerical control is a process of controlling the machine with the help of a computer or sets of instructions.

With the help of numerical control, we can automate the machines.

23) What is Servo controlled robot?

A servo controlled robot is one which works on the servo mechanism. Servo controlled robots are consist of servo motors which processed by the signals. A servo controlled robot can accelerate, that means these robots can change their speed at a different point.

24) Name of the industry which highly used the robots?

The Automobile industry is an industry which highly used robots for production.

25) What are actuators in the robotics?

Actuators are the electromechanical device which converts the electric energy into mechanical energy. Actuators can generate motion in each part of the robot.

26) What types of motors used in industrial robots?

There are various types of motors available, but we can choose a motor for the robotics as per the use of an area. The motor used will depend on how and where a robot is to be used. But there are some common motors which can be used in industrial robotics:

• Servo Motors
• DC/AC motors
• Stepper Motors
• Belt drive motor
• Arm adapted motors.

27) What is continuous-path control in the robotics?

When we program a robot for physically move through the trajectory or an irregular path exactly then such type of control is called as Continuous-path control in robotics.

28) If we wanted to add two number a and b, then how it can be written in LISP language?

If we wanted to add two numbers a and b, then it can be written as (+a b) in LISP language.

29) What is the use of the function (copy-list <list>) in LISP?

This function is used to return the copy of the defined list.

30) What is the Future of The robotics?

There are the following areas where the robotics can be used vastly in future

• The robotics can be used for e-commerce
• The robotics can be raised with cloud-based software which will define new skills in the robots
• The robotics can be used more than the industries.
• The robotics can be used in the medical field

31) What are industrial robots? Explain the various types of Industrial robots?

Industrial robots are those robots which mainly work for manufacturing and production in industries.

There are various types of robots which are being used in multiple areas depending on their work, and the following are the description of some industrial robots:

1. Cartesian: Cartesian robot applies the Cartesian coordinate system(X, Y, and Z). These type of the robots have three linear joints. They also may have a wrist which can provide a rotational movement.
2. Polar: The Polar robot is a type of robot which can consist of a rotatory base with an elevation pivot. The polar robot has only one arm which can perform the various task.
3. SCARA: SCARA stands for "Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm." Sacra robot can do three linear movements with a vertical motion. It is fixed at the Z axis and flexible in XY axes.
4. Delta: These robots are the shape of a spider which has parallel arms connected to the universal joints.
5. Cylindrical: Cylindrical robot has a rotatory joint for the rotational transaction and a prismatic joint for performing a linear movement.
6. Articulated: Articulated robots have rotatory joints which can range from simple two joints structure to a complex structure with 10 or more joints.

32) What is a microcontroller? What is the use of the microcontroller in the robotics?

A Microcontroller is a small programmable integrated chip which is used in the embedded system. It consists of a processor, memory with I/O peripherals.

In robotics, the microcontroller is used as "brain" for the robot. It controls all the actions performed by the robot. It also gives instructions to a robot to perform any task.

For more information, please visit stamping robot.