Master thesis - Developing & assessing a humanoid robot for industrial application
Eskilstuna, SE, 405 08
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Master thesis: Developing & assessing a humanoid robot for industrial application
Master Thesis
The Volvo Production System is built on the principle of continuous improvement, aiming to enhance both the effectiveness and efficiency of production processes. As part of the ongoing fifth industrial revolution, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is actively advancing automation, virtual manufacturing, and digitalization. To maintain its world-leading position, Volvo CE continuously explores advanced and emerging technologies that can strengthen productivity, flexibility, and sustainability.
Thesis work description
Humanoid robots have shown significant potential as collaborative and social agents; however, only limited research has explored their use in industrial environments. In collaboration with Volvo CE, Mälardalen University, has acquired a Unitree G1 humanoid robot to investigate the feasibility of applying humanoid robotics in manufacturing and logistics contexts.
The humanoid is located at MITC in Eskilstuna, where the first identified industrial use case focuses on a logistics task — preparing an assembly kit by picking parts from a logistics rack. The thesis work will involve investigating possibilities with using traditional methods and modern AI methods for programming and controlling the humanoid, including the integration of its hands (grippers) and eyes (computer vision) to perform the kitting task.
Since the humanoid has certain technical limitations, full automation of the kitting process is not yet possible. Consequently, humanoid must collaborate closely with humans, requiring elements of social interaction, coordination, and task sharing. The thesis will also include an acceptance study, in which operators interact with the humanoid during the kitting task to evaluate usability, trust, and perceived collaboration quality.’
In summary, important milestones and deliverables in the thesis projects are:
* Object manipulation (Pick up, identify, rotate and place)
* Locomotion (walking, orientation and path planning)
* Human interaction (acceptance test, collaboration requirements, safety concerns)
Candidate profile
You are master’s student with a strong interest in humanoid robotics, automation, and human–robot collaboration. Enthusiasm, curiosity, engagement and teamwork are qualities that you identify in yourself. We particularly welcome you to this application. Please describe your motivation and relevant skills in your cover letter.
Suitable background
Master’s program in: Automation Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Computer Science.
Practical Information
- Thesis level: Master
- Language: English
- Start date: January 2026
- Number of students: 2
- Location: MITC, Eskilstuna
Contact persons:
- Lars Hanson, Factory4Tomorrow, Volvo Construction Equipment, lars.hanson@volvo.com
- Ludvig Svedlund, Division of product realisation, Mälardalen University, ludvig.svedlund@mdu.se
- Joao Pedrassoli, Advanced manufacturing & research, Volvo Construction Equipment, joao.jp.pedrassoli@volvo.com
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