AI Research Intern

Intuitive; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

Intuitive in Sunnyvale, CA seeks a self-motivated intern to support our AI Research and Development team. The role focuses on developing AI foundation models based on multi-modal surgical data, applying Visual-Language-Action (VLA) models and advanced robot learning to enhance the da Vinci system.

You will collaborate with engineers, researchers, and clinicians to translate preliminary prototypes into robust software solutions, document findings for reports and potential patent filings, and

Responsibilities

• Conduct R&D on AI for surgical robotics, integrating endoscopic video, context data, and precise instrument control.
• Develop and implement novel algorithms for VLA models, including imitation learning for system guidance.
• Analyze large real-world surgical datasets from the da Vinci system to train AI models.
• Validate models in simulation and on appropriate da Vinci hardware, following regulatory protocols.
• Collaborate with engineers, researchers, and clinicians to translate research into robust software.
• Document outcomes in technical reports and contribute to internal docs and potential patent filings.

Job description

Job Description

Primary Function of Position

We are seeking a self-motivatedintern to support our AI Research and Development team in projects focused on developing a variety of AI foundation models based on multi-modal surgical data. This unique role focuses on the application of cutting-edgeVisual-Language-Action (VLA) modelsand advanced robot learning techniques to enhance the capabilities of theda Vinci surgical system. The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between large-scale multimodal AI research and practical, high-impact applications in a safety-critical medical domain.

Essential Job Duties

• Conduct research and developmenton AI technology for surgical robotics, specifically integrating visual data (endoscopic video), surgical context (language/data), and precise robotic actions (instrument control).
• Develop and implement novel algorithmsfor VLA models focused on surgical scene understanding, procedure phase recognition, and learning from expert demonstrations (e.g., imitation learning) to improve system guidance and automation features.
• Analyze and process large, real-world surgical datasetsfrom theda Vinci systemto train and evaluate AI models.
• Validate modelsusing both internal simulation platforms and, where appropriate, physical da Vinci systems, adhering to strict quality and regulatory protocols.
• Collaboratewith a cross‑function team of engineers, researchers, and potentially even clinicians/surgeons, to translate research prototypes into robust, testable software solutions.
• Documentresearch outcomes and contribute to technical reports and internal documentation, with potential opportunities for patent filings or conference submissions.