Thesis Work – Applied probability and statistics for robot dimensioning

Thesis Work – Applied probability and statistics for robot dimensioning

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 role sits within ABB's Robotics business, a leading global robotics company. We're entering an exciting new chapter as we’ve announced the plan for SoftBank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. SoftBank is a globally recognized technology group and investor/operator focused on AI, robotics, and next-generation computing. By joining us now, you’ll be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of robotics—working alongside world-class experts in a fast-moving, innovation-driven environment.

This Position reports to: R&D Department/Local Unit Lead

At ABB, you can be sure you are helping to create a better world. Why not take the chance to do this while working in one of the most fascinating technology areas in modern industry – Robotics!

ABB Robotics is a leading supplier of industrial robots and robot software, in addition to its equipment, and complete application solutions. We are found in 53 countries and have installed more than 500,000 robots, supported by the broadest service network, and offering in the industry.

Now we are offering an exciting master thesis within Mechanical Analysis R&D. You can be a part of our team responsible for simulation, optimization and calculations on the robots.

The loads used for dimensioning of the robots are retrieved with simulations where not just a certain load level, but also the probability for that load is retrieved. At the same time the criteria for the material limits are based on statistical evaluation of material tests. However, these are often evaluated conservatively in isolation, resulting in over-dimensioned designs that add unnecessary weight, cost, and environmental impact.

We need a fresh perspective on how to integrate probability and statistics into our dimensioning process – decreasing conservatism while maintaining safety and quantifying failure probability for informed engineering decisions.

Details:

• January-June 2027
• 30 ECTS/högskolepoäng(hp)
• One student
• Most time on site in Västerås

Your responsibilities

• Literature study on probabilistic mechanical design and reliability engineering.
• Deep dive into ABB Robotics' current in-house dimensioning criteria and load calculation methods
• Development and testing of improved methodologies to predict failure probability
• Documentation and recommendations for implementation
• Living ABB’s core values of safety and integrity, which means taking responsibility for your own actions while caring for your colleagues and the business.

Your background

• Engineering student in Mechanical engineering, Technical physics, Mathematics or program with similar profile.
• Knowledge in Mechanical dimensioning and statistics / probability theory.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or statistical software
• Self-driven, structured and analytical mindset.
• Fluent English in speaking and writing, English is the corporate language and used for all documentation
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with the team

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