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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 LeadYour role and responsibilities
Background:
Large industrial robots are typically controlled by external cabinets, which take up valuable space on the factory floor. At the same time, power electronics technology is developing rapidly. New semiconductor materials such as Silicone Carbide and Gallium Nitride, together with more compact packaging and cooling concepts, are creating new possibilities for future robot control solutions. This opens an interesting area for investigation: how future power electronics could help make industrial robot systems more compact, flexible, and efficient.
Details:
- Period: January to June
- Number of credits: 30 ECTS
- Number of students for this thesis work: 1-2
- Location: Västerås, Finnslätten mainly on-site
Objective
The objective of this master thesis is to investigate, on a conceptual level, how future power electronics technologies could enable more compact robot control solutions. The work will include a study of relevant semiconductor technologies, packaging concepts, and thermal design aspects. The thesis will focus on feasibility, trade-offs, and key technology factors rather than detailed product-specific implementation.
Scope:
- Analyze high-level requirements and constraints for compact integration of power electronics in industrial robot systems.
- Benchmark relevant semiconductor technologies, such as SiC and GaN, and assess their potential for future compact drive solutions.
- Explore conceptual converter and packaging approaches suitable for compact industrial robot applications.
- Investigate thermal design challenges and identify possible cooling principles for compact power electronics solutions.
- Summarize key technology factors, potential feasibility limits, and areas for further investigation.
Qualifications for the role
- Master’s student in electrical engineering, power electronics, mechatronics, engineering physics, or a related field.
- Good understanding of power electronics, electric drives, semiconductors, and/or thermal design.
- Interest in industrial robotics, compact electronics design, and future automation technologies.
- Ability to work independently, structure technical investigations, and compare different solution concepts.
- Experience with simulation or calculation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, LTspice, Ansys, or similar is an advantage.
- Basic knowledge of SiC/GaN devices, converter topologies, or cooling concepts is beneficial but not required.
- Good written and spoken English. Swedish language skills are an advantage, as much of the daily communication in the team is in Swedish.
More about us
Supervisor Erik Velander, [email protected] and Tomas Botold, [email protected] will answer your questions.
Positions are filled continuously. Please apply with your CV, academic transcripts, and a cover letter in English.
We look forward to receiving your application!
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.
We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit www.abb.com to learn more about us and see the impact of our work across the globe.
Skills Required
- Master's student in electrical engineering, power electronics, mechatronics, engineering physics, or a related field
- Good understanding of power electronics, electric drives, semiconductors, and/or thermal design
- Interest in industrial robotics, compact electronics design, and future automation technologies
- Ability to work independently, structure technical investigations, and compare solution concepts
- Good written and spoken English
- Experience with simulation or calculation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, LTspice, Ansys, or similar
- Basic knowledge of SiC/GaN devices, converter topologies, or cooling concepts
- Swedish language skills
ABB Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about ABB and has not been reviewed or approved by ABB.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, with medical, dental, vision, mental health support, and disability and life insurance included. Immediate eligibility in some roles reinforces the sense of dependable core coverage.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off offerings are described as broad, including paid holidays, sick days, volunteer time, sabbaticals, and, in some cases, 25 days of PTO. Flexible scheduling and remote-work options add to perceived time-off and flexibility value.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are positioned as robust, including a 401(k) with company contributions or matching and, in some cases, profit sharing or pension savings. Stock purchase/share acquisition programs complement longer-term savings options.
ABB Insights
What We Do
ABB is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 110,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com
