Master Thesis: Flow Simulation Impact of Automation on Material Inflow
Eskilstuna, SE, 405 08
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About the Master Thesis
Using Flow Simulation to Evaluate the Impact of Automation on Material Inflow in the Heavy Vehicle Industry
Background
Efficient handling of incoming materials and storage solutions is crucial for a well-functioning production process. This process includes several complex steps, from the reception and check-in of incoming materials to their storage and distribution to the point of use in production.
With increasing global competition and demands for shorter lead times and greater flexibility, optimized material handling is becoming a strategic key factor for the industry. At the same time, increased automation and digitalization opens new opportunities to develop smarter, more resource-efficient, and flexible solutions.
Against this background, flow simulation can be used as a tool to test and compare different alternatives, thereby enabling the structured and efficient design of future material flows and storage solutions.
Purpose
The purpose of this thesis project is to use flow simulation to analyze, design, and test new concepts for material handling through the factory’s inflow. This covers everything from the unloading of materials from the truck to the point where the material reaches its storage location.
The goal is to identify the most efficient and robust solution and configuration before implementing a future scenario.
Special focus will be placed on evaluating the effects of increased automation in material handling processes — in terms of efficiency, flexibility, and work environment — as well as identifying potential bottlenecks and risks in both the current and future systems.
Assignment Description
- Mapping the current material flows from incoming goods to storage location in collaboration with the project group.
- Developing a flow simulation model of the current state.
- Identifying areas for improvement within material handling.
- Adapting the current-state model / developing a new model aligned with the intended future state.
- Identifying areas for improvement in material handling for the future state.
- Analyzing and evaluating different levels of automation for the future state.
- Recommending a solution that provides an efficient, flexible, and future-proof material handling system.
Delimitations
This study will be carried out as a Master’s thesis. The flow simulation software to be used is inFacts from Evoma.
Presentation of Results
Presentation for the project group, Manufacturing Engineering, and Logistics Engineering before the final presentation at the university.
Thesis Information
- Level: 30 credits Master Thesis within engineering
- Language: Swedish or English
- Start date: 12 January 2026
- Location: Volvo Construction Equipment ,Operations Eskilstuna
- Number of students: 2
Contact Person: Lovisa Karlsson (lovisa.karlsson@volvo.com)
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Who we are and what we believe in
We are committed to shaping the future landscape of efficient, safe, and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents across the group’s leading brands and entities.
Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group. Every day, you will be working with some of the sharpest and most creative brains in our field to be able to leave our society in better shape for the next generation. We are passionate about what we do, and we thrive on teamwork. We are almost 100,000 people united around the world by a culture of care, inclusiveness, and empowerment.
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