Robotics Intern, Teleoperation and Spatial Computing

Toyota Research Institute; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Toyota Research Institute (TRI) is seeking a Robotics Intern passionate about teleoperation, VR/AR, and spatial computing. You will design, implement, and test systems that allow humans to control and teach robots through immersive interfaces, collaborating with cross-functional teams to create real-time prototypes that integrate robot hardware, motion capture, haptics, and 3D graphics.

In this role you’ll develop VR/AR interfaces for robot control, build tools for 3D scene reconstruction, and

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with Python, C++, or Swift for real-time systems and graphics programming, and familiarity with Git, UNIX/Linux systems, and AI tools (Claude, Codex).
• Familiarity with VR/AR/XR frameworks (Unity, Unreal, visionOS or equivalent) and spatial input systems.
• Understanding of robot kinematics, motion capture, and teleoperation control principles.
• Exposure to 3D perception and visualization (depth images, point clouds, or gaussian splatting).
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills, with a willingness to collaborate and learn across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and test systems that enable humans to control and teach robots through immersive interfaces.
• Develop real-time software prototypes that integrate robot hardware, motion capture, haptics, and 3D graphics.
• Build tools for 3D scene reconstruction and create interactions for physical AI such as visualizing policy intent.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams including mechanical design, perception, controls, and UX.

Skills

VR/AR frameworks

Spatial input systems

Robot kinematics

Teleoperation control

3D perception/visualization

Problem solving & communication

Education

Pursuing a degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Python

C++

Swift

Git

UNIX/Linux

AI tools (Claude, Codex)

Job description

At Toyota Research Institute (TRI), we’re on a mission to improve the quality of human life. We’re developing new tools and capabilities to amplify the human experience. To lead this transformative shift in mobility, we’ve built a world‑class team advancing the state of the art in AI, robotics, driving, and material sciences.

This is a paid 12‑week internship opportunity and is a hybrid, in‑office role.

Here’s a glimpse into the Internship experience from some of our TRI interns!

The Team

Our goal is to revolutionize the field of robotic manipulation, enabling long‑horizon dexterous behaviors to be efficiently taught, learned, and improved over time in diverse, real‑world environments.

Our team has deep cross‑functional expertise across simulation, perception, controls, and machine learning, and we measure our success in terms of fundamental capabilities development, as well as research impact via open‑source software and publications. Our north star is fundamental technological advancement in building robots that can flexibly perform a wide variety of tasks in diverse environments with potential for human collaboration. Come join us and let’s make general‑purpose robots a reality.

The Internship

We are seeking a Robotics Intern passionate about teleoperation, VR/AR, and spatial computing to help advance TRI’s next‑generation telerobotics platform. You will design, implement, and test systems that enable humans to control and teach robots through immersive interfaces, contributing to TRI’s mission of extending human capability through robotics. Working closely with cross‑functional teams in mechanical design, perception, controls, and UX, you’ll develop real‑time software prototypes that integrate robot hardware, motion capture, haptics, and 3D graphics—creating intuitive experiences that blend spatial computing with advanced robotic capabilities.
Your work will involve developing and refining VR/AR interfaces for robot control, building tools for 3D scene reconstruction, and creating interactions for physical AI such as visualizing and communicating policy intent. You’ll also have opportunities to run user studies, contribute to open‑source codebases and research publications, and demonstrate prototypes that push the boundaries of human–robot interaction.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with Python, C++, or Swift for real‑time systems and graphics programming, and familiarity with Git, UNIX/Linux systems, and AI tools (Claude, Codex).
• Familiarity with VR/AR/XR frameworks (Unity, Unreal, visionOS or equivalent) and spatial input systems.
• Understanding of robot kinematics, motion capture, and teleoperation control principles.
• Exposure to 3D perception and visualization (depth images, point clouds, or gaussian splatting).
• Strong problem‑solving and communication skills, with a willingness to collaborate and learn across disciplines.

Bonus Qualifications

• Familiarity with Apple development systems and frameworks, such as SwiftUI, RealityKit, ARKit, and Xcode.
• Background in UX design for immersive or robotics systems.
• Experience with ROS2, Isaac Sim, or similar simulation tools.
• Interest in evaluating system usability through human‑subject studies.
• Knowledge of tactile sensing, force feedback, or haptic interfaces.
• Experience with motion retargeting for manipulation and locomotion control.

The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $40 and $58/hour for Massachusetts‑based roles. Base pay offered will depend on multiple individualized factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's experience, skills, job‑related knowledge, and market location. TRI offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and paid time off benefits (including holiday pay and sick time). Additional details regarding these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

Please reference this Candidate Privacy Notice to inform you of the categories of personal information that we collect from individuals who inquire about and/or apply to work for Toyota Research Institute, Inc. or its subsidiaries, including Toyota A.I. Ventures GP, L.P., and the purposes for which we use such personal information.

TRI is fueled by a diverse and inclusive community of people with unique backgrounds, education and life experiences. We are dedicated to fostering an innovative and collaborative environment by living the values that are an essential part of our culture. We believe diversity makes us stronger and are proud to provide Equal Employment Opportunity for all, without regard to an applicant’s race, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, religion, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state or local laws.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.