I'm confused. What next after Data Analyst?

I'm currently a Data Analyst with 6 months of experience. I would like to get into AI/ML and Robotics field.

Planning to transition from my current role next year. I'm not sure whether I should become a Software engineer (preferably Backend) or ML Engineer or some Data Science role.

I'm currently in Bangalore. Open to relocating to any state (or even country).

In the longterm, I want to do something that has both software and hardware in it.

Please explain your advice if you can afford some time.

Thanks in advance.

P.S. I accidentally put student in this app.