Automation = Jack of All Trades, Master of None?

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“Automation = Jack of All Trades, Master of None” is a widely circulated phrase. Although it has some partiality, it precisely highlights the common confusion among many automation professionals—on the curriculum, there are courses in advanced mathematics, circuit theory, programming, control theory, and even basic mechanical design,spanning multiple fields, requiring knowledge in many areas!

While students from other majors delve deeply into a specific field, automation students are still wandering through the ocean of knowledge.Touching on everything but mastering nothing—this seemingly awkward situation often leads automation professionals to self-doubt:Where exactly is my core competitiveness??

Image source: Zhihu

https://www.zhihu.com/question/20149978/answer/15509847

01

The Truth Behind “Jack of All Trades”

The “breadth” of the automation major is a necessary requirement of its disciplinary essence. For example,an actual automation system (such as intelligent robots, smart factories, autonomous vehicles) naturally requires crossing multiple technical fields:

It requires understanding actuators and mechanical structures to achieve mechatronic integration, relying on sensor technology for perceptual feedback, deploying control algorithms on embedded hardware for decision-making, and also involves signal processing, data processing, and communication technologies for information handling, ultimately needing software interfaces and data analysis platforms to support human-machine interaction.

This extensive coverage stems from its interdisciplinary nature—automation itself integrates content from control science, computer science, electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, information theory, systems engineering, and other disciplines, with its foundational theories having high universality and abstraction.

Therefore, when facing specific engineering application scenarios, it is inevitable thatone must master the foundational knowledge of related fields, which also determines that the core responsibility of automation engineers lies in understanding the overall system requirements, designing system architecture, and coordinating the integration of different systems and components such as mechanical, electrical, and software,ensuring they work together to achieve global optimal performance—if one lacks awareness of the foundational knowledge of each component, effective communication, precise coordination, and critical decision-making cannot be achieved.

Thus,“Jack of All Trades” is by no means a superficial learning.

02

The Key to “Master of None”

lies in where the “depth” is

The “depth” of the automation major lies inunderstanding how dynamic systems operate, how to control them, and how to optimize them and possessing corresponding practical abilities.

Its “depth” does not pursue becoming a top expert in a single technical field, nor is it fixated on the minutiae of a single domain, such as not delving into the processing accuracy of a specific part or the robustness and complexity of a certain piece of code;

its “depth” is reflected in a thorough understanding of the “interfaces” across multiple fields, and in weighing trade-offs from a global perspective to achieve global optimization.

This requiresengineers to deeply understand how mechanical, electrical, software, and algorithmic domains work together and to possess the ability to bridge technical barriers, allowing systems to interface seamlessly.

By integrating knowledge from multiple fields, automation engineers complete the entire engineering closed loop from requirement analysis, modeling, control design to deployment, debugging, and optimization, handling uncertainties, and ultimately designing solutions that achieve global rather than local optimization.

03

Advice for Undergraduate Students in Automation:

From “Broad” to “Deep”

“Automation = Jack of All Trades, Master of None” is indeed the case at the undergraduate level, but we can take action to change this situation,transforming “breadth” into an advantage and moving towards greater “depth”, ultimately building our core competitiveness. Here are some suggestions from the author:

1. Build a solid foundation and master the tools

Mathematics is the soul of the automation major, and one mustinvest effort in mastering advanced mathematics, linear algebra, complex functions, probability and statistics, and other mathematical courses, which are also the foundation of control theory, signal processing, and machine learning. Automation professionals can consolidate knowledge by doing more exercises to test their results.

Control theory is the heart of the major,and one must focus on mastering core courses such as “Principles of Automatic Control” and “Modern Control Theory,” requiring comprehensive understanding rather than just passing exams. Practice is the touchstone of theory, and one can use tools like Matlab/Simulink to validate algorithms, transforming abstract formulas into visual results.

Programming is a basic survival skill,and at least one general programming language must be mastered. Python is the preferred choice due to its strong ecosystem in scientific computing, data analysis, machine learning, and automation scripting; C/C++ is also a good choice, often used in low-level development, real-time systems, and high-performance scenarios.

Simulation and modeling skills are also very important.Mastering tools like Matlab/Simulink is almost a standard for automation professionals. Additionally, it is recommended to understand or learn commonly used industrial software, such as PLC programming software, CAD software, and circuit design software, to lay the foundation for understanding the full engineering stack.

2. Focus on a field and break through “depth” within “breadth”

After broad exploration,combine personal interests and industry development to choose one or two directions for in-depth exploration—robotics, intelligent manufacturing, intelligent control, process control, embedded systems, machine vision, etc.,there are many directions to choose from.

Once a focus direction is chosen, one can delve deeper through project practice—participate in academic competitions (such as electronic design competitions, intelligent vehicle competitions, robotics competitions, “Internet+” innovation and entrepreneurship competitions), engage in research projects with mentors, or initiate self-directed development projects.

Project experience is the best way to test knowledge, hone skills, and create highlights for resumes. In projects, one will naturally delve into specific technology stacks.

Of course,it is recommended to select relevant advanced courses based on the focus direction such as computer vision, machine learning, robotics, industrial communication networks, embedded Linux development, and utilize platforms like Coursera, edX, Udacity, and MOOCs for online learning.

3. Strengthen practice and test oneself through practice

Value the opportunities in lab courses and open labs, personally build circuits, debug circuit boards, connect sensors and actuators, write control programs, debug systems, and solve practical problems.

Actively seek internship opportunities during winter and summer breaks, especially opportunities to intern at automation integration companies, manufacturing factories, robotics companies, and related research institutes.

Here, one can personally experience the industrial site environment, understand real equipment (PLC, frequency converters, servo drives, industrial robots), and comprehend engineering specifications and safety requirements. Moreover,internships are a bridge connecting campus and the workplace, greatly enhancing employment competitiveness.

One can also utilize platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and Jetson Nano for low-cost, rapid creative realization and prototype validation, participate in maker communities, and engage in learning and sharing.

4. Proactively plan for the future: further study or employment?

Further study or employment,different goals lead to different paths and focuses.

If choosing to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree, and having a strong interest in theory, algorithms, and cutting-edge research (such as the application of artificial intelligence in control, advanced robotics technology), or aiming for high-level R&D positions or research institutes,one needs to build a solid mathematical foundation during the undergraduate stage, strive for good grades and rankings, and participate in research competitions.

If choosing employment, the job market for automation is very broad. Common directions include:

Industrial Automation Engineer: system integration, PLC/DCS programming and debugging, on-site maintenance, pre-sales/post-sales technical support.

Robotics Engineer: application debugging, integration development, maintenance.

Embedded Software Engineer: developing low-level drivers for control boards, implementing control algorithms.

Control Algorithm Engineer: (usually requires a master’s degree or higher) designing, simulating, and implementing advanced control algorithms.

Test Engineer: developing automated testing equipment, writing test scripts.

Equipment Engineer: responsible for the maintenance and optimization of factory automation production lines.

During the four years of university, one should prepare in advance.Browse job websites frequently to understand the specific requirements of different positions, and use this to backtrack the knowledge and skills that need to be supplemented. Participate in projects, strive for internship opportunities, and hone both software and hardware skills to create a competitive resume when job hunting.

In Conclusion

The undergraduate journey in automation is a forging of systematic thinking in the ocean of knowledge. In the face of a vast array of courses,do not get lost in the superficiality of “learning everything,” but deeply understand the logic behind it. Embrace the breadth of the discipline, delve into the core depth, hone the practical skills, and elevate the dimensions of thinking.

The vast ocean of automation awaits your exploration!

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