Robotics

Minor

The minor in robotics provides cadets with a foundation in the fundamental areas of the interdisciplinary field of robotics, combining elements of mechanical and electrical engineering as well as computer science.

Offered by Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science.

Do you get excited about robots, drones, autonomous vehicles, or AI-powered systems? Are you interested in how machines can enhance battlefield performance, reduce risk to soldiers, and change the future of combat? The Robotics minor at the United States Military Academy at West Point gives cadets the chance to dive into the world of intelligent machines - and become leaders in one of the most innovative and rapidly growing fields in the Army and beyond.

What is Robotics?

The Robotics minor focuses on the design, control, and application of robotic systems. It combines mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence to explore how robots sense, think, and act.

At West Point, robotics is directly tied to the Army’s mission -from autonomous drones and ground vehicles to robotic arms, search-and-rescue bots, and AI-enhanced surveillance systems. Build smarter machines. Redefine the battlefield. Lead with innovation. That’s the Robotics minor at West Point.

Why Choose the Robotics Minor at USMA?

Army-Relevant Innovation
Robotics is transforming how the Army reconnoiters, transports, communicates, and fights. This minor prepares graduates to lead in that future.
Works with Any STEM Major
Ideal for cadets majoring in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or Cyber Science — but open to others with technical interest.
Hands-On, High-Tech Learning
Cadets build, program, and test real robots - developing technical skill and creative problem-solving ability.
Career and Grad School Advantage
Robotics is a booming field in defense, aerospace, manufacturing, tech, and AI - and this minor makes graduates highly competitive for roles in innovation-focused Army units or post-graduate research.
Control Theory – learn the math behind how machines stay balanced, follow paths, and react to change

What To Do With This Minor?

With the Robotics minor, cadets can:

Lead Army missions involving autonomous vehicles, drones, or robotics systems
Work in fields like defense tech, aerospace, disaster response, or advanced manufacturing
Join agencies like DARPA, NASA, or Army Research Labs
Pursue grad school in robotics, AI, mechatronics, or systems engineering
Design machines that protect, explore, and transform the future

Interested Cadets

Are you fascinated by drones, robots, or machines that think and move on their own? Do you want to create tech that can help Soldiers, explore dangerous terrain, or respond to disasters? The Robotics minor at West Point gives you the tools to make that happen.

This minor blends engineering, computer science, and hands-on design to help you build real robotic systems that can move, sense, and make decisions - all while preparing you to lead in a world where robotics is shaping the future of defense and beyond.

Why Consider This Minor

If a cadet likes building things, programming, solving problems, or imagining how machines can make life better and safer, the Robotics minor is an exciting way to explore that passion while preparing to lead in the Army’s high-tech future. They gain valuable engineering and coding experience, help shape the next generation of military capability, and graduate as an officer ready to lead at the intersection of people and machines.

What Cadets Learn

Robotics is all about designing machines that can sense their environment, make decisions, and perform tasks - sometimes without a human in control. In this minor, cadets learn:

Mechanical Design – how to build robotic bodies that move, balance, and work
Sensors and Actuators – how robots see, feel, and interact with their surroundings
Microcontrollers and Programming – code that tells robots what to do
Autonomous Systems – machines that operate on their own
Control Systems – how robots maintain stability, accuracy, and responsiveness

They work on real projects that bring their robots to life - and apply what they learn in missions that matter. They also complete hands-on labs, design projects, and potentially work with the Center for Applied Engineering or in Army robotics research programs.

Choice of Electives

Cadets build their academic path with interesting electives like:

Introduction to Robotics – get the fundamentals of robot design and programming
Autonomous Systems – create machines that can move and decide without human input
Sensors and Actuators – explore how robots sense the world and interact with it
Robotic Manipulation – design robot arms and gripping systems for real tasks

Learn More

Cadets can work with the West Point Robotics Research Center and explore such things as drone racing, peer reviewed publications (which can help with future graduate school opportunities, as well as engage in groundbreaking research with external partners like the Joint AI Center, the Army AI Integration Center (AI2C), Army Futures Command and other DoD agencies.

To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science or the Robotics Research Center.