How can you build your Robotics network using professional associations?

Join relevant robotics associations to tap into a vibrant network. Membership unlocks conferences, forums, and expert communities. Be proactive! Present your work, engage in discussions, and volunteer. Offer your time and expertise - build relationships on mutual benefit. Online platforms like forums and LinkedIn groups help you connect and stay updated. Remember, genuine connections matter, so be approachable and a good listener. Share your knowledge freely and nurture relationships over time. This strategic involvement and proactive engagement will empower you to build a valuable network for career growth, mentorship, and staying ahead in the dynamic robotics world.

In addition to joining associations, consider participating in ACTIVELY in their activities, like workshops, seminars, and conferences. Because when you involve yourself, chances are much higher, that you meet relevant people, not only experts, but other beginners and people who are just as interested as you. A great way is also volunteering at events, you have first-hand contact with people from the industry, you meet people and it is for free!

Think of LinkedIn as your virtual business card in the world of robotics. Connect with fellow professionals from the robotics associations you're part of. Joining those LinkedIn groups? It's like getting a front-row seat to the backstage conversations of your industry. Share your thoughts on posts, toss in your experiences, and shoot connection requests to the cool people you meet at events. Your LinkedIn profile is your professional face online, so make it shine! Update it regularly with your wins, projects, and any cool articles you find interesting. It's not just about collecting connections, but about showcasing your passion for robotics and drawing in others who share that same spark.

As a robotics-focused prompt engineer, I have found building my network through professional associations to be extremely effective. Firstly, I join relevant organizations and associations in the field of robotics. This gives me access to a community of professionals and experts with similar interests and goals.

When you start out in this industry and you have the opportunity to be in a webinar, take it! A lot of people are too shy to speak or ask questions, don't be that person. Take advantage of the audience and the speakers, if you ask interesting questions, people will recognize you and you can also learn a lot, because you get access to people, that would be normally very hard to get in contact with.

For anyone looking to build a robust network in the field of robotics, I highly recommend seeking out local hardware or robotics groups. These groups often host in-person events which can be valuable for making connections in a more relaxed and personal setting compared to formal conferences. I have had the pleasure of engaging with the Pittsburgh and New York Robotics Networks and can attest to the incredible connections made through their events. These gatherings provide a unique opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who share a passion for robotics. The informal nature of these events fosters a more open exchange of ideas and experiences, allowing you to form more meaningful connections.

Meeting new people with a similar mindset and making good connections can really help you with your career. During ROSCON India '23, I met some amazing and talented people and got to learn a lot. They guided me and answered my "silly" questions with their experience in this industry. You can come across lots of opportunities that will give you a boost in your career! So, I'd definitely recommend attending events and webinars and meeting new people 🙌

Research and identify professional associations that focus on robotics or related fields. Some examples include: IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (RAS): A leading global organization in the field of robotics and automation. Robotics Industries Association (RIA): Focused on industrial robotics and automation. Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI): Concentrates on unmanned systems and robotics. International Federation of Robotics (IFR): A global network for robotics research and industry.

I can not emphasise enough how easy it is to get connected online, especially on Twitter (X). If you use common sense, have respect and don't start with "can you do something for me", it is really a great way to meet people. Even big accounts are in your reach, but my advice: start to connect in the comments first, before sliding into DMs, as you give the other person the opportunity to get to know you a little bit beforehand.

Participate in mentorship programs if offered by the associations. Mentorship can provide guidance and support in your career development.

Find Groups: Look for robotics clubs like IEEE Robotics, Robotics Industries Association (RIA), or local/national robotics groups. Join Events: Go to their meetings, conferences, or online forums to meet other robotics people. Share Knowledge: Talk about what you know at these events or in papers. This helps people know you in the robotics world. Work Together: Find chances to team up on projects or research with others in these groups. It helps you make friends and learn more about robotics.

One good way to consolidate your network is to be 'noticed' by others. This is done in 2 ways: 1-be generous, as to display your work in a way its results can be 'reproduced'. That is: put code in GIT, open-source your work and make it noticeable to interested people. 2-As your scientific reputation precedes you, volunteer or accept invitations to review others' robotics R&D and Engineering work. These two allow you to not only connect efficiently with others, but engage in constructive conversations bringing sometimes to collaboration.

People get to know people whom work is available to access, or at least whom work/activity is well advertised. Opinions/feedback and ideas exchange on other people's work is a way to engage in interesting conversations, leading sometimes to work synergy or collaboration in projects. This is enabling -through continuous maintenance of the topic conversations- a focused consolidation of relationships in a person's network.