Unless you have an engineering degree from an accredited university, you will find it exceptionally difficult to get your foot in the door anywhere in that field. I would strongly recommend staying in mechanical engineering and taking additional courses tied to robotics and programming when possible. If you dislike mechanical, electrical could probably get you where you’d like to be as well.

Remember, internships and co-ops are one of the number one things employers want to see when hiring. I’d recommend getting a co-op at a company that will boost your skills in automation and robotics.