Thesis Project: Optimization of Cable Harness Design for Automated Assembly of Control Cabinets

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 Position reports to:

R&D Team Lead

Automation is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the manufacturing industry, especially in regions with high labor costs. In control cabinet production, cable harness design plays a central role in enabling efficient and precise automated assembly.

Poorly optimized cable routing and design can hinder robotic handling, increase the risk of errors, and reduce scalability. This thesis focuses on designing cable harnesses which are compatible with automated processes, digital workflows, and high quality standards.

The goal is to bridge the gap between design and robot-controlled production.

This thesis project is suitable for 1–2 students.

Your role and responsibilities

• To develop design principles, workflows, and material choices that optimize cable harnesses for automated assembly in control cabinets, with a focus on manufacturability, digital integration, cost-efficiency, and error minimization.
• Additionally, to propose solutions which leads to increased levels of automation in control cabinet production.

Examples of tasks

• Analyze current design methods and identify obstacles for automation.
• Investigate whether AI tools can be used to optimize the design and simulate the assembly process.
• Develop guidelines for robot-friendly cable routing (e.g., wire paths, bend radius, connector orientation, and component selection).
• Evaluate ECAD tools (e.g., EPLAN, SolidWorks Electrical) and their integration with automated production systems.
• Create and test prototype designs through simulation or physical mockups.

Your background

• You are studying Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Product Development, or a related field.
• You have an interest in design optimization, robotics, and digital manufacturing.
• You enjoy combining CAD tools with hands-on problem solving.
• You are solution-oriented, self-driven, and curious.

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.'

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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