Thesis Work: Topology optimization of robot component

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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 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 the design is optimized for strength, mass and design constraints. To enable this, we perform topology optimization as part of our development process.

The goal of this thesis project is to perform a topology optimization study on a robot's structural components. This requires linear simulation models which are then analyzed in optimization software. The results of the study will be used to develop new innovative and better performing designs for future robots.

Details

• Period: January-June 2026
• Number of credits: 30 ECTS
• Number of students: 1
• Location: Mostly on-site in Västerås

Your Responsibilities

• Study of previous designs for reference

• Literature study on topology optimization methodology

• Using the literature study, investigate different parameters of the optimization to identify their effects on the result. These parameters can include both different optimization software's and their parameters

• Familiarity with ABB Robotics' SimCenter and Altair FEA tools and models
• Use the result to suggest designs for the component

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 in Solid mechanics and Finite Element Method
• You are self-driven, structured and analytical
• Fluent in spoken and written English, which is the corporate language 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 Andréas Göransson, , 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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