I Loved Robotics Since Childhood. Now My Robotics & AI Degree Made Me Lose Interest Completely
I never thought I would write something like this.
I’m currently studying Engineering in Robotics & AI — a field I once genuinely loved. Robotics wasn’t a random choice for me. I’ve been building robotics projects since class 2. I grew up fascinated by machines, automation, and AI.
I’ve represented my work in competitions, won the World Robotics Olympiad, and some of my projects have even been recognized by the National Innovation Foundation. Robotics used to be the thing that defined me. That’s why this hurts to admit:
College killed my interest in robotics.
The reality of my Robotics & AI degree turned out to be completely different from what I imagined. I expected:
* hands-on labs,
* building robots regularly,
* experimentation,
* mentorship from passionate professors,
* learning how real engineers actually think and create.
Instead, the reality has been:
* almost no proper robotics labs,
* limited access to real hardware,
* mostly theoretical lectures,
* teachers who often seem disconnected or unpassionate about the subject,
* memorization replacing curiosity.
I went from building robots out of excitement as a kid to sitting in classrooms wondering why I feel nothing anymore.
The strange part is that I know I’m capable. I’ve proven my interest and ability long before college started. But somewhere along this journey, the system drained the curiosity that once came naturally to me. Now I find myself in a position I never imagined, the peer group around me are living and dying for 2-3 marks they don't give a damn about robotics they just need marks
I no longer feel excited about Robotics & AI, and I’m not even sure I want to continue in this field anymore.
It’s confusing because robotics used to be my identity. Walking away feels like betraying years of passion but staying feels emotionally exhausting.
Has anyone else experienced losing passion for something they once deeply loved because of their degree or environment?
I am now having and inclination towards my family business i might drop out.