Robotics in the Military?

I'm super into tech and robotics, and I'm thinking about combining that with a military career after graduation. Do any military branches have programs focused on robotics?

Yes, several branches of the U.S. military have programs and roles related to robotics, specifically the use and development of unmanned systems.

The Army, for instance, utilizes robotics in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and reconnaissance roles. They've worked on programs like the Robotic Combat Vehicle, which aims to advance the use of unmanned vehicles in combat scenarios.

In the Navy and Marine Corps, there's emphasis on underwater unmanned vehicles (UUVs) and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), which have diverse roles in surveillance, mine hunting, and anti-submarine warfare. The Naval Postgraduate School also offers the opportunity to study robotics.

The Air Force, unsurprisingly, utilizes numerous unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) for a variety of purposes, from reconnaissance to offensive operations. They’ve also been developing battlefield airmen robots to rescue downed flight crews in dangerous scenarios.

Finally, the newest branch of the military, the Space Force, while its primary focus is not robotics, certainly has significant overlap with technology and robotics as it oversees operations in the space domain.

Many of these roles involve operating, maintaining, or developing robotic systems, so there should be opportunities to apply your passion for robotics within these various paths. However, it's also good to note that these roles are not likely to involve building robots from scratch, but rather, employing, updating, and maintaining existing systems.

Lastly, don't forget about the academies associated with these branches, as they provide an outstanding education and instill military discipline and training. A few examples include the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Air Force Academy, all of which provide excellent grounding in various engineering disciplines including robotics. Furthermore, education and training gained in the military could lead down numerous paths whether it be furthering research or even transitioning to civilian roles in robotics and technology sectors.