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Ever looked up at a plane and thought, how do they even build something like that? It takes skilled workers, a lot of precision, and now, collaborative robots, or cobots. Unlike those big industrial robots locked behind cages, cobots work with people, handling repetitive or physically demanding tasks while humans focus on the interesting stuff.

Picture a robot drilling thousands of holes into an aircraft’s body without missing a beat or applying adhesives with the same steady hand every single time. That’s the kind of work cobots are doing, making aerospace manufacturing faster and safer. And as they become more common, so do career opportunities for people who know how to use robots.

We’ll take a closer look at how cobots are shaking things up, the skills you’ll need to work with them, and where to start if you’re thinking about getting into the field.

So, What Exactly Are Cobots?

Cobots are the friendly, helpful cousins of the big, industrial robots you see in car factories. These robots are designed to work right alongside people, not replace them. They’re packed with sensors and safety features so they’re safe to work alongside humans.. Instead of brute strength, they bring precision and adaptability to the mix.

Aerospace manufacturers are putting cobots to work in all kinds of ways. They’re taking on tasks that are too repetitive, too detailed, or just too risky for humans to handle alone, like drilling thousands of holes into an aircraft fuselage. Cobots handle that with laser-sharp accuracy, making sure every hole is perfectly placed for fasteners. 

They’re also used for inspections and scanning parts with vision systems to catch tiny defects that a person might miss. And when it comes to moving large, heavy components? Cobots can lift and position them smoothly, cutting down on strain and reducing the risk of workplace injuries. Some are even being used for painting and surface finishing, ensuring a flawless look without drips, streaks, or missed spots.

Cobots are changing aerospace manufacturing for the better. They’re making production faster, improving accuracy, and making workplaces safer. But they’re not taking over. They’re just making the job a lot easier.

So, You Want to Work with Cobots? Here’s What You’ll Need

Working with cobots in aerospace isn’t just about pressing a button and letting them do all the work. These machines are designed to assist, not replace, so having the right mix of technical skills and problem-solving abilities is important.

A good starting point is a basic understanding of robotics. You don’t need to be an engineer, but knowing how these machines operate, their strengths, and their limits will make a big difference. Programming is another key skill. Cobots need instructions, so being able to set up tasks, write basic code, and troubleshoot when things don’t go as planned is valuable. Since they’re used in manufacturing, understanding production workflows will also help with integrating them smoothly into operations.

Cobots collect and process a lot of information, and knowing how to analyze that information can help improve efficiency and catch potential problems before they become bigger issues. And, like any equipment, they need regular maintenance. Being able to diagnose and fix minor issues can keep everything running without unnecessary delays.

Beyond the technical side, soft skills matter just as much. Problem-solving is essential. Technology doesn’t always work perfectly, and quick thinking can help avoid disruptions. And since cobots are built to work alongside people, good communication and collaboration will make the process much smoother.

For those looking to develop these skills, RoboticsCareer.org is a great resource. It offers a database of training programs tailored to different levels of experience, along with career guidance and connections to potential employers. Those interested in working with cobots can create a profile and explore the training options that are available.

Career Pathways: From Student to Robotics Engineer

Aerospace robotics has more than just one career path. Maybe you like working hands-on with machines, or maybe you’re the kind of person who wants to design the systems that make them work in the first place. Or, if you’re more into software, you could be the one writing the code that tells these robots exactly what to do. Whatever direction you’re leaning toward, there’s probably a spot for you.

Keeping production on track, robotics technicians handle the setup, repairs, and general upkeep of cobots. Big-picture thinkers tend to lean toward automation engineering, making sure these robotic systems actually fit into the manufacturing process. If code is your thing, robotics programmers are the ones writing the instructions that make everything run.

People always ask, “Are robots taking over jobs?” And the answer is no; jobs are simply shifting. Cobots are built to work with humans, not replace them. They handle repetitive, highly precise, or sometimes even dangerous tasks, which actually frees up people to do work that requires critical thinking and creativity. And as robotics keeps evolving, brand-new job roles are popping up—some that didn’t even exist a few years ago.

Think of cobots more like coworkers. The more advanced they get, the more skilled workers will be needed to program, operate, and maintain them.

For people trying to get started—or move up the ladder—RoboticsCareer.org is worth checking out. You can find an updated list of job openings (including a lot in aerospace) with employers who need skilled workers. It’s basically a shortcut to finding a robotics career without having to dig through a hundred job boards yourself.

Smart Robots in the Sky

Artificial intelligence is changing robotics in a big way, especially in aerospace. Robots used to just follow instructions someone programmed into them. Now? AI lets them process information, adjust in real time, and actually make decisions based on what’s happening around them. They’re not just reacting anymore—they’re learning, in a way.

Cobots make better decisions because of AI. Instead of responding to the same triggers over and over, they take in data and use it to make smarter choices. The more they work, the better they get, since they actually learn from past experiences. This is called adaptive learning, and honestly, it’s not that different from how people improve at their jobs over time. Except, you know, without needing coffee breaks.

AI also changes how maintenance works. Instead of waiting for something to break, AI can predict when a machine might fail by analyzing sensor data. That way, repairs happen before problems shut everything down. This kind of predictive maintenance saves time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.

Some of the most impressive AI-powered tools are already being used in aerospace. Aircraft use AI to monitor engines and other components, catching potential issues before they cause real problems. That means maintenance teams can step in early, keeping planes in service and passengers where they need to be. AI is also making drones more independent. Instead of needing constant human control, drones equipped with AI can better navigate tricky environments, making them incredibly useful for everything from inspections to deliveries.

Ready for Your Career to Takeoff?

Cobots aren’t just changing aerospace manufacturing—they’re redefining what’s possible. These robotic partners handle everything from precision drilling to complex inspections, making factories safer and more efficient. But the real magic happens when humans and robots team up, combining skill and technology to build the future of flight. As AI advances, the opportunities in this field are only growing. 

Want to be part of it? Create a profile on RoboticsCareer.org today to explore training programs, connect with employers, and start your journey in aerospace robotics. The future is being built now—don’t just watch it happen.

About The Author

Lisa Masciantonio 

Chief Workforce Officer

Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute 

Lisa Masciantonio is the Chief Workforce Officer for the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute. She joined the ARM Institute in May 2017 as the Director of Membership and Outreach.  She moved to the position of Chief Workforce Officer in 2019 and she is responsible for driving the Education & Workforce Development vision for ARM in conjunction with the ARM membership, the federal and state government partners, and other expert stakeholders. 

Lisa brings with her over 25 years of experience as a performance-driven leader with notable success in cultivating and executing business strategies and formulating long-term strategic client relationships.  She has proven success in developing business solutions, commercialization of products, technology transfer, and technological initiatives that have supported organizational growth, improved staff productivity, and increased value to many communities of practice. Critical to her success is the ability to increase awareness and drive thought leadership position by designing and executing innovative programs as well as developing and launching new, value-add offerings for ongoing competitiveness. Lisa received a Bachelor’s degree from the Pennsylvania State University and 2 Master’s degrees from Carnegie Mellon University. 

In 2021, Lisa was recognized as one of 20 world-wide Exceptional Women in Robotics and Automation by SME. In 2022, she was recognized by the Pittsburgh Business Times as a Women of Influence and was also part of the inaugural Technical.ly Pittsburgh RealLIST Connectors list, which recognizes the top 100 influential leaders in Pittsburgh tech.