[dburlone]

I think it really depends on what aspect of robotics you think that you'd like to be involved in. If you're interested in the decision making process/intelligence/smarts of robotics (and that includes team based robotics) perhaps computer science would be your niche, for example, the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon is located in the school of computer science! If you're interested in the construction and electromechanical aspects of robotics (ie: choosing motors, designing efficient motor drivers, or integrating all of that stuff together) then you might think of something with more of an EE route with an emphasis in machines or electro-mechanics or controls (as you've noted) (and FWIW there are some schools that offer electro-mechanical degrees).

While it wasn't the optimal route (for most), I think what I ended up doing in school was most beneficial to me... At RIT (with their 5 yr programs) started out as an EE, stayed there for 3 years, switched majors to CpET (Computer Engineering Tech), and then went on to complete a Masters in Computer Science.

What am I trying to say here? Basically don't let your major define what you can or can't do. Most of the time I never had problems taking courses from other departments to help broaden/sharpen my skill set. Ask students from the department you're interested in how hard it is to take courses from another department. Ask if the department you're applying to has a robotics course (when I was attending RIT they had a robotics course in about 4 different departments that I knew of) and what you learn in their version as compared to other departments. If they don't have a robotics related course, ask about independent studies. Lots and lots of questions, I know, but it's nice to know stuff like this before you figure out you're not taking the right path (and have to change majors like I did)!

Good luck!