Thesis Work: Simulating collisions between cast iron components

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This Position reports to:

R&D Team Lead

We are offering an exciting master thesis opportunity within Mechanical Analysis R&D.

You can be a part of our team responsible for simulation, optimization and calculations on the robots.

To achieve a proper balance between performance, strength, quality, safety and cost, we continuously develop new types of manipulators consisting of motors, gears, and arms. When developing structural arms, one challenge is to ensure that they can withstand operational loads, including unexpected loads, safely. Many ABB robots can rotate their arms about six rotational axis which enables complex motions.

The purpose of this thesis project is to develop a method to analyze the collision event between cast iron components. This requires complex simulation models with accurate material models. The methodology will then be used to develop new designs for the mechanical stop.

Details

• Period: January-June 2026

• Number of credits: 30 ECTS

• Number of students: 1

• Location: Mostly on-site in Västerås

Your responsibilities

• Literature study on cast iron collision behavior

• Specify model criteria based on the literature

• Build simulation model/models in SimCenter to investigate the collision

• Perform simulations and evaluate the result accuracy

• Use the result to suggest designs for the impact zones

• Participate in the setup of a physical robot collision test, if needed

Your Background

• Engineering student in Mechanical Engineering, Technical Physics, Aeronautics, or a program with a similar profile, with an orientation towards Computational Mechanics and/or Materials
• Basic knowledge of Solid Mechanics and the Finite Element Method

• You are self-driven, structured and analytical

• Fluent English in speaking and writing. English is the corporate language and is used for all documentation

More about us

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation. We see our purpose as being to enable a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting our engineering and digitalization expertise, we help industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. We call this: 'Engineered to Outrun.'

Supervisor Mike Demant, , will answer your questions. Recruiting Manger is Viktoria Sakar,

Please apply with your CV, academic transcripts, and a cover letter in English.

Join us. Be part of the team where progress happens, industries transform, and your work shapes the world. Run What Runs the World.

Exciting Career Opportunity in Robotics

This role is part of ABB's Robotics business, which is preparing to become an independent company. By joining us now, you'll be part of a dynamic and fast-paced organization at the forefront of robotics innovation. As we transition into a separate entity outside the ABB Group, you'll have the chance to shape the future, grow your career, and work alongside world-class experts in a more agile and entrepreneurial environment.

A Future Opportunity

Please note that this position is part of our talent pipeline and not an active job opening at this time. By applying, you express your interest in future career opportunities with ABB.

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