Thesis Work for Determinism and Scalability of ROS 2/DDS for Distributed Industrial Robot Controllers
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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 Team LeadYour role and responsibilities
Distributed software architectures are becoming increasingly important in advanced robotics systems. This thesis offers the opportunity to experimentally evaluate the performance and scalability of a modern robotics framework in the context of time-critical industrial robot control.
In this thesis, the timing behavior of ROS 2/DDS will be experimentally characterized using representative distributed industrial robot-controller workloads. Selected ROS 2 executor configurations, DDS configurations and scheduling approaches will be evaluated while varying computational workload, communication frequency and the scale of the distributed system. The objective is to determine the deterministic operating and scalability envelope of ROS 2/DDS for distributed industrial robot control. In doing so, the thesis will also evaluate the suitability and limitations of an open-source robotics framework for time-critical industrial controller applications.
Details:
- Period: Jan – June 2027
- Number of credits: 30 ECTS/högskolepoäng (hp)
- Number of students for this thesis work: One
- Location: Västerås /Hybrid
Qualifications for the role
- Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems, Automation, Robotics, or a related field
- Knowledge of real-time systems and time-critical computing concepts
- Experience with distributed systems, communication middleware, or networking; experience with ROS 2 or DDS is advantageous
- Programming skills in C/C++ or Python for system analysis, experimentation, or prototyping
- (Bonus) Familiarity with industrial automation, robotics, motion control systems, or Linux real-time systems
More about us (Mandatory)
Recruiting Manager Peter Rinderud, +46 72 464 46 84 or [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
- Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems, Automation, Robotics, or a related field
- Knowledge of real-time systems and time-critical computing concepts
- Experience with distributed systems, communication middleware, or networking
- Programming skills in C, C++, or Python for system analysis, experimentation, or prototyping
- Experience with ROS 2 or DDS
- Familiarity with industrial automation, robotics, motion control systems, or Linux real-time systems
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
