Thesis - Humanoid Robot

Volvo Group; Eskilstuna kommun; On-site; SEK 50,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Volvo Group is seeking master’s students to undertake a thesis on humanoid robotics for industrial kitting, in collaboration with Volvo Construction Equipment and Mälardalen University in Eskilstuna.

The project will explore integrating locomotion, manipulation and computer vision, compare traditional programming with AI-based approaches, and deliver a working demonstrator plus an assessment of feasibility. The work is conducted at MITC in Eskilstuna and welcomes 1–2 students.

Qualifications

• Master's student with strong interest in robotics, automation, AI and industrial applications.
• Practical programming experience and interest in emerging robotic technologies.
• Willingness to collaborate in a two-student team.

Responsibilities

• Focus on the technical development and evaluation of the humanoid robot for the industrial kitting task.
• Investigate traditional programming approaches and AI-based methods for controlling the humanoid.
• Integrate vision, locomotion and manipulation into an integrated demonstrator.

Skills

Programming

Robotics

AI

Teamwork

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

Background in Robotics/Automation/Mechatronics

Tools

Unitree G1

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future. If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match.

Background

The Volvo Production System is built on the principle of continuous improvement, aiming to enhance both the effectiveness and efficiency of production processes. As part of the ongoing fifth industrial revolution, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is actively advancing automation, virtual manufacturing, and digitalization.

Humanoid robots represent an emerging technology with the potential to increase flexibility in manufacturing and logistics environments designed primarily for humans. In collaboration with Volvo CE, Mälardalen University (MDU) has acquired a Unitree G1 humanoid robot to investigate the feasibility and potential of humanoid robotics in industrial applications.

Thesis Description

The humanoid robot is located at MITC in Eskilstuna. The first industrial use case focuses on logistics kitting, where the humanoid prepares an assembly kit by identifying and picking parts from a logistics rack and placing them in a kit.

The thesis will focus on the technical development and evaluation of the humanoid robot for this industrial task. The work will investigate both traditional programming approaches and modern AI-based methods for controlling the robot.

Important technical challenges include integrating locomotion, manipulation and computer vision into a functioning industrial application.

The thesis may include:

• Object manipulation: identifying, picking up, rotating and placing industrial components.
• Computer vision: detecting and identifying parts and their positions.
• Locomotion: walking, orientation and path planning between relevant locations.
• Robot control: investigating and comparing traditional and AI-based approaches for programming and controlling the humanoid.
• System integration: combining vision, locomotion and manipulation into an integrated kitting demonstrator.
• Industrial evaluation: assessing technical performance, robustness and limitations in a realistic industrial use case.

The expected outcome is a working demonstrator and an assessment of the technical feasibility of humanoid robots for industrial kitting.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for master’s students with a strong interest in robotics, automation, AI and industrial applications. Practical programming experience and an interest in experimenting with emerging robotic technologies are particularly valuable.

Teamwork is encouraged, and applications from two students wishing to collaborate on the thesis are welcome.

Suitable Background

• Robotics
• Automation Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Mechatronics or related fields

Practical Information

Thesis level: Master

Language: Swedish or English

Number of students: 1–2

Last day for apply: 30 November

We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail.

Who we are and what we believe in
We are committed to shaping the future landscape of efficient, safe, and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents across the group’s leading brands and entities.

Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group. Every day, you will be working with some of the sharpest and most creative brains in our field to be able to leave our society in better shape for the next generation. We are passionate about what we do, and we thrive on teamwork. We are almost 100,000 people united around the world by a culture of care, inclusiveness, and empowerment.

Part of Volvo Group, Volvo Construction Equipment is a global company driven by our purpose to build the world we want to live in. Together we develop and deliver solutions for a cleaner, smarter, and more connected world. By unleashing everyone’s full potential, we build a more sustainable future for all our stakeholders. Come join our team and help us build a better tomorrow.

Job Category: Engineering

Every day, Volvo Group products and services ensure that people have food on the table, children arrive safely at school and roads and buildings can be constructed. Looking ahead,we are committed to driving the transition to sustainable and safe transport, mobility and infrastructure solutions toward a net-zero society.

Joining Volvo Group, you will work with some of the world’s most iconic brands and be part of a global and leading industrial company that is harnessing automated driving, electromobility and connectivity.

Our people are passionate about what they do, they aim for high performance and thrive on teamwork and learning. Everyday life at Volvo is defined by a climate of support, care and mutual respect.

If you aspire to grow and make an impact, join us on our journey to create a better and more resilient society for the coming generations.