I can't speak to the Mech. Eng./robotics field - I'm a Civil Eng. with a BS. In the consulting business I'm in, all of our engineers have 4 year degrees at a minimum. Most of our Cadd Techs (computer drafting) have 2 year associate degrees. If that is representative of his area of interest, my guess is he may be limiting himself with the associates degree.
When I went to school, the first 2 years at a university or community college were mostly "pre-engineering" classes (calculus, physics, chemistry, statics, dynamics, strength of materials, etc.). Completing that qualified for an associate's degree, then you applied to your engineering school (Mech., Civil, Electrical, etc.). It was in these programs you took classes specific to your area of interest.
My thoughts are if his mind is made up on a 2 year program, I'd be looking at schools with specialized programs unique to his interests (Voc. Tech. possibly?) though have no idea what may be out there for him.
