August 28, 2026
To meet growing demand for robotics talent, UW Engineering is launching cross-disciplinary graduate programs to prepare engineers to lead in intelligent systems, advanced manufacturing, autonomous technologies and physical AI.
Photo by UW Photo
Washington state has emerged as a major hub for robotics innovation, fueled by advances in artificial intelligence and growing investment in automation across aerospace, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare and autonomous systems. Companies including Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, NVIDIA and Blue Origin, alongside a rapidly expanding ecosystem of robotics startups, are driving demand for engineers who can work at the intersection of AI, software, sensing and physical systems.
To help meet that need, the University of Washington's College of Engineering will offer two new graduate offerings this fall: a Master of Science in Robotics and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Robotics. Recently approved by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the programs were created in response to a significant shift in the field, as robotics evolves from a specialized engineering discipline into a foundational technology sector increasingly shaped by AI.
Applications for the inaugural cohort will be accepted September 1-10, 2026.
"Robotics is no longer confined to a single industry or discipline," said Nancy Allbritton, Frank & Julie Jungers Dean of Engineering. "The next generation of innovation will come from engineers who can integrate AI, software, advanced sensing and physical systems to solve complex real-world problems. These programs bring together the UW's strengths across engineering and computing to prepare students to lead that future."
Developed through a collaborative effort spanning ten engineering units and multiple research centers, the new robotics programs harness the UW's deep expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomous systems, controls, manufacturing and human-centered design, while leveraging longstanding partnerships with industry leaders helping shape the future of robotics.
Join us for an admissions Q&A on Tuesday, September 8
Meet our Robotics team, dive into the details of our program, and have your admissions questions answered in real-time.
A new interdisciplinary approach to robotics education
The robotics programs offer two pathways for students and professionals seeking advanced training in the field.
Master of Science in Robotics
The 38-credit, in-person Robotics master's degree combines foundational robotics theory with intensive hands-on learning. Students will study robotics fundamentals, AI and machine learning, perception, systems integration, and autonomous decision-making while completing a multidisciplinary capstone project that addresses real-world engineering challenges.
Graduate Certificate in Applied Robotics
Designed for working professionals, the 16-credit Robotics certificate program offers afternoon and evening courses that enable engineers and technical professionals to build robotics expertise while continuing in their careers.
Built through collaboration across campus and industry
The robotics programs grew out of a visioning process that brought together faculty, industry leaders and university partners to identify emerging opportunities at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
A Robotics Education Visioning Committee, co-chaired by Xu Chen, a professor of mechanical engineering, and industry leaders Michael Wolf of Amazon and Timothy Chung of Microsoft, helped shape the framework for the programs. Faculty from across the College contributed to curriculum design, program goals and industry engagement strategies.
Industry collaborators from Boeing, NVIDIA, Dassault Systèmes, Meta, Richtech Robotics and other organizations provided insight into evolving workforce needs and emerging technology trends, helping ensure graduates are prepared for rapidly changing industry demands.
The programs will also benefit from connections to several of the UW's leading research initiatives, including the Boeing Advanced Research Collaboration at UW (BARC), the UW-Amazon Science Hub, robotics laboratories within the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, and the UW's growing portfolio of research in AI and machine learning for engineering applications.
Preparing engineers for the era of physical AI
As advances in AI accelerate the capabilities of robotic systems, industries increasingly need engineers who can design, deploy and manage intelligent machines operating in complex environments.
Students will learn from faculty advancing the field through research in perception, autonomy, controls, human-robot interaction and intelligent systems. Initial course offerings will be taught by faculty members Xu Chen, Ashis Banerjee, Dieter Fox and Karen Leung, covering topics that span the mathematical foundations of robotics, motion and path planning, and modern autonomous systems.
Engineering the future
The robotics programs represent a significant investment in Washington’s innovation economy and the future of engineering education. By combining expertise from across UW Engineering with industry engagement and cutting-edge research, the UW is creating a pathway for students to help develop the intelligent systems transforming manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, aerospace and other sectors.
Explore our Robotics programs
Apply by September 10, 2026 to be part of the first ever cohort of Robotics programs at UW Engineering.