Okay, let’s break it down. Robert has 17 years of experience as a robotic engineer, which is a significant amount of time. According to national averages, engineers with similar experience can earn between $100 and $150 per hour. Considering his location in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the fact that he has a Bachelor's Degree in Robotic Engineering from Purdue University, a reputable institution, I'll estimate his hourly rate to be around $125. This is slightly below the national average, but it's still a competitive rate for someone with his experience and education level in the Midwest region.