What do you do if you want to expand your professional network in the robotics community?

To grow your professional network in the robotics community, join organizations like IEEE and the Robotics Society of India for access to resources and events. Collaborate on research projects with universities, research institutions, or startups to gain experience and connections. Publishing papers in journals or presenting at conferences showcases your expertise and opens networking opportunities. Attending networking events, workshops, and seminars related to robotics helps you meet professionals, exchange ideas, and stay updated on developments. By actively participating in these activities, you can build a strong network to support your growth and career advancement in robotics.

The first step was to join relevant online platforms. I created and actively maintained profiles on LinkedIn, GitHub, and robotics-specific forums like ROS Discourse and RobotShop Community. I joined groups and communities focused on robotics, where I participated in discussions, shared my knowledge, and connected with like-minded professionals.

To expand your professional network in the robotics community, consider attending industry conferences, joining relevant professional organizations like IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, participating in robotics workshops, and engaging in online forums and social media groups. Collaborating on open-source projects and seeking mentorship opportunities can also help you connect with others in the field.

Joining online platforms can significantly expand your professional network in the robotics community. For instance, the first community I joined was the ROS Discord community, which played a crucial role in supporting me throughout my capstone project. I connected with like-minded individuals who were genuinely interested in the outcome of my project and provided invaluable assistance throughout the process. Engaging in such online communities not only offers support but also fosters collaborative opportunities and long-lasting professional relationships.

The robotics community is growing and so are a lot of the events you should check out. In regards to general robotics, there are a few groups you should check out. - Pittsburgh Robotics Network - Silicon Valley Robotics - Mass Robotics For general Industrial Robots and Cobots, A3 has one of the most active communities along with WTWH with The Robotics Summit / RoboBusiness. In addition, if you want more into the design and safety standards ASTM and IEEE are both fantastic organizations to dive deeper into and get involved in person or online.

While we have excellent shows in robotics, Automate and Automatica, robotics are very diverse. Look into a variety of shows from woodworking to bakery and check if robotics is part of the show.

This is a great way to expand your network, learn more about the current robotics environment, and give back to the community you are committed to!

Volunteering or mentoring has been instrumental in expanding my professional network in the robotics community. Engaging in these activities has allowed me to meet and collaborate with individuals from various locations, broadening my horizons and enriching my professional experience. Additionally, volunteering and mentoring enable me to give back to the community and inspire the next generation of robotics enthusiasts. Being part of their journey and success stories is incredibly rewarding. Moreover, staying actively involved in the field through these efforts enhances my relevance and expertise, naturally attracting like-minded professionals and fostering meaningful connections.

Think about why you want to extend your network. There are so many great people out there, but depending on your goal, you might want to attract a certain group to join your network.