Master Thesis Motion Model 2026 - Implementation of an ISO 13849 compatible Emergency Stop System on

Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future. If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match. 

Background

Automated driving is likely the next revolution to improve the productivity and safety of the confined area transport system.

Autonomous vehicles for confined areas typically have some means to remotely stop their motion in case of an emergency, by means of an Emergency Stop System. Such a system needs to be compliant with different types of legislations, such as ISO 13849 for the functional safety aspects.

This thesis is about implementing an ISO 13849 compliant Emergency Stop System in an existing high-performance Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which is already used for motion control and monitoring functions in autonomous vehicles.

Objective

• A running proof-of-concept with an Emergency Stop input device connected to modified hardware, controlling an actuator when triggered. The input device and the actuator will be provided by Volvo, together with detailed specifications of them.
• An analytic evaluation of the achieved performance level and all relevant metrics.

Scope and Method

• Literature study of ISO 13849 and Volvo’s internal functional safety process.
• Study of the hardware and its safety manual (provided by Volvo and its suppliers).
• Define the system architecture.
• Configuration of the System-on-Chip used by the ECU.
• Design and realization of hardware modifications.
• Implementation of software.
• Evaluation of performance level and all relevant metrics.
• Write final report.

Who you are

To excel in this thesis you should have a strong interest in embedded systems, embedded real time software and the connection to the hardware it’s running on. Suitable background is computer science, electrical engineering, mechatronics or similar. Programming experience from C is good to have.

The duration of the work will be 20 weeks / 30 ETCs for 2 students on master level. One student should focus on the hardware implementation and the other on the software implementation. The work will be carried out at Volvo. Location can be flexible between Gothenburg, Eskilstuna or Karlstad.

Why join us

At Volvo Autonomous Solutions, you’ll be part of a team that’s shaping the future of transport through cutting-edge technology and innovation. This thesis offers a unique opportunity to work hands-on with autonomous vehicle systems in a real-world industrial setting, supported by experienced engineers and access to state-of-the-art tools. You’ll gain valuable insights into functional safety standards and embedded systems while contributing to solutions that make mobility safer and smarter. Join us and take your first step toward a career that drives change.

We look forward to receiving your application letter, academic transcript, and CV (in English).

Contact information Volvo: Markus Örn, markus.orn@volvo.com

Last application date: 30th of November

We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail. 

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. 

Part of Volvo Group, Volvo Autonomous Solutions accelerates the development, commercialization and sales of autonomous transport solutions, focusing on defined segments for the on- and off-road space. The combination of strong tech expertise and skilled customer solutions creates innovative transport offers never seen before. We are constantly pushing our own skills and ability to drive change in a traditional industry to meet a growing customer demand. We are now looking for innovative, committed individuals to join us in our endeavor to create customer solutions that enhance safety, flexibility and productivity.