AI Robotics Intern

ABB; Milpitas (CA); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

ABB’s Robotics internship in San Jose, CA invites master's or PhD candidates in CS, robotics or EE to join a hands-on program. You’ll design, implement, and evaluate AI algorithms for robotics perception, vision models, and real-time performance in a lab setting.

The role blends software and hardware work, includes setting up workcells, data analysis, and model validation, with opportunities to present results and contribute to documentation.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Willing to work hands-on in a robotics laboratory with robotic systems and workcells.
• Curious, adaptable, and open to learning across technical areas as project needs evolve.
• Strong Python programming skills and familiarity with modern software engineering practices.
• Experience with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch.
• Solid understanding of machine learning and computer vision fundamentals.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently investigate technical challenges.
• Excellent communication and collaboration in a team of engineers.
• Experience training and evaluating deep learning models on custom datasets.
• Familiarity with GPU acceleration, CUDA, or model optimization for edge deployment.
• Experience with synthetic data generation, simulation, or data-centric AI workflows.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and evaluate AI algorithms for robotics perception, including object detection and pose estimation.
• Evaluate emerging AI technologies for industrial robotics use cases.
• Participate in hands-on robotics lab work, including setting up workcells and supporting experiments.
• Work across both software and hardware aspects of robotics projects, from AI model development to robot testing.
• Collaborate with robotics, perception, and software engineers to integrate AI models into production-ready robotic systems.
• Analyze model accuracy, latency, robustness, and failure cases, and propose improvements through experimentation.
• Contribute to technical documentation, design reviews, and presentations for internal engineering teams.

Skills

Python

PyTorch

Computer vision

Deep learning

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science/ Robotics/ Electrical Engineering

Tools

CUDA

Simulation

Job description

At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we’ll give you what you need to make it happen. It won’t always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you’ll never run alone. Run what runs the world.

This role sits within ABB's Robotics business, a leading global robotics company. We're entering an exciting new chapter as we’ve announced the plan for SoftBank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. SoftBank is a globally recognized technology group and investor/operator focused on AI, robotics, and next-generation computing. By joining us now, you’ll be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of robotics—working alongside world-class experts in a fast-moving, innovation-driven environment.

This Position reports to:

R&D Senior Engineer

As an intern, you will have the opportunity to gain practical experience through various projects. Each day, you will acquire knowledge by performing tasks as directed. You will also showcase your skills by supporting ABB’s operations and enhancing personal education/employment opportunities.

The work model for the role is onsite/hybrid in San Jose, CA.

You will be mainly accountable for:

• Design, develop, and evaluate AI algorithms for robotics perception, including object detection, instance segmentation, pose estimation, and foundation vision models.
• Evaluate emerging AI technologies, including vision foundation models, multimodal models, and Physical AI approaches, for industrial robotics use cases
• Participate in hands-on robotics lab work, including setting up and modifying robotic workcells and supporting experiments and system integration.
• Work across both software and hardware aspects of robotics projects, from AI model development and data analysis to robot setup, testing, troubleshooting, and experimental validation.
• Collaborate with robotics, perception, and software engineers to integrate AI models into production-ready robotic systems.
• Analyze model accuracy, latency, robustness, and failure cases, and propose improvements through experimentation and data-driven evaluation.
• Contribute to technical documentation, design reviews, and presentations for internal engineering teams.

Qualifications for the role:

• Currently pursuing a Master's, or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Willing and comfortable working hands-on in a robotics laboratory, including physical setup of robotic systems, workcells, and experimental equipment.
• Curious, adaptable, and open to learning and contributing in technical areas outside of their primary expertise as project needs evolve.
• Strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with modern software engineering practices.
• Experience with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch.
• Solid understanding of machine learning and computer vision fundamentals.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently investigate technical challenges.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a collaborative engineering environment.
• Experience training and evaluating deep learning models on custom datasets.
• Familiarity with GPU acceleration, CUDA, or model optimization for edge deployment.
• Experience with synthetic data generation, simulation, or data-centric AI workflows.

What's in it for you

We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You’ll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day.

ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff…??

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their- sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.

For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff…??

Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.

Protected Veterans and Individual with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to [e-mail]. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner.

Internships at ABB within the United States are not eligible for company-sponsored medical benefits, 401(k) contributions, or paid time off.

The hourly rate is determined by things such as the successful applicant’s qualifications, graduation year and experience. This position is expected to pay between $20 - $34 per hour.

We value people from different backgrounds.