Which field offers more promising job opportunities: Internet of Things (IoT) or Robotics?
In 2023, the fields of Robotics and Internet of Things (IoT) are experiencing significant growth, driven by technological advancements and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Both sectors offer promising career opportunities, but they differ slightly in focus, growth potential, and skill requirements.
Robotics, the design, construction, programming, and operation of machines that can perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously, is experiencing rapid expansion, particularly in industrial automation. The global mobile robot market was valued at $4.5 billion in 2023, with a 27% growth rate, and industrial robot installations surpassing 541,000 units that year [1]. AI advancements are revolutionising robotics, enabling more autonomous, flexible, and intelligent robots.
On the other hand, IoT is expanding primarily by integrating AI and cloud computing, with strong growth expected in AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things). The AIoT market size is projected to increase significantly, from $93.12 billion in 2025 to $161.93 billion by 2034 [2][3]. IoT systems are used in various industries such as smart home automation, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and smart cities and infrastructure.
In terms of salaries, robotics-related roles, especially those integrating AI, generally offer competitive salaries, though specific figures for robotics engineers in 2023 are not detailed. However, AI skills tied to robotics and automation often command high compensation. AI/ML engineers, also relevant in IoT, earn around $121,689 annually in the US, indicating that AI and machine learning skills linked to IoT drive lucrative careers [3][4].
The key skills required for a career in Robotics include AI & ML, robotics programming, control systems, sensor data analysis, physical AI simulation, and increasingly, software development for AI-enabled robots [1]. In contrast, IoT careers demand multidisciplinary skills covering AI and machine learning, programming, embedded systems, cloud infrastructure, and data analytics [3].
Both fields overlap substantially in their reliance on AI and growing automation but differ in focus: robotics is physically focused on automation and intelligent machines, while IoT centres on connected sensor networks and data-driven decision-making. The choice between the two depends on one's interest: if you prefer physical machine design and AI-enhanced automation, robotics offers promising growth. If you enjoy working with interconnected devices, software development, and data analytics, IoT may provide broader opportunities and integration with AI careers.
Overall, Robotics and IoT combined with AI skills are among the most future-proof fields in 2023 for salaries and growth, with AI expertise being the central driver for career advancement in both domains [1][3][4]. Industries hiring in Robotics include aerospace and defence, healthcare (surgical robots, prosthetics), logistics (robotic arms, drones), education and research, while in-demand job roles in IoT include IoT Developer, Embedded Systems Engineer, IoT Solutions Architect, Cloud Engineer (IoT), IoT Data Analyst, and Firmware Engineer.
References: [1] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1102202/global-mobile-robot-market-size/ [2] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1102203/global-number-of-installed-industrial-robots/ [3] https://www.indeed.com/career/robotics-engineer/salaries [4] https://www.indeed.com/career/ai-engineer/salaries
Embedded systems technology is crucial in IoT careers, as it forms a key skill requirement for IoT solutions development, including the design and programming of sensors and devices that connect in networks.
A well-rounded education-and-self-development program in robotics and IoT, emphasizing AI, programming, control systems, sensor data analysis, and embedded systems, can provide a solid foundation for a lucrative career in either field.
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