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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 Center LeadYour role and responsibilities
Humanoid robots are increasingly seen as versatile platforms for real-world automation, able to operate in environments built for humans. Yet, teaching them complex, coordinated tasks — combining locomotion (walking, balancing) and manipulation (grasping, pushing) — remains an open research challenge.
This thesis addresses that challenge through two connected goals: first, building a whole-body teleoperation system for the Unitree G1 humanoid robot, where a human operator drives the robot using an AR (Augmented Reality) headset (providing head pose and hand tracking) and wearable inertial sensors on the legs; second, using the motion data collected through teleoperation to train Imitation Learning (IL) policies — algorithms that allow the robot to autonomously reproduce the demonstrated behaviors, without human intervention.
Details:
- Period: January to July 2027
- Number of credits: 30 ECTS/högskolepoäng (hp)
- Number of students for this thesis work: 1
- Location: on-site, Västerås
This is a research and prototyping project with a clear end-to-end pipeline in mind, but we are open to suggestions on specific methods or tools. The main tasks are:
- Literature review: review the state of the art on whole-body humanoid teleoperation, motion retargeting, and Imitation Learning for robotics. Identify relevant methods, benchmarks, and open challenges to inform the design choices of the project.
- Teleoperation setup: Integrate an AR headset (e.g., Meta Quest) and leg-worn inertial measurement units (IMUs) into a real-time system that tracks the operator's full-body pose and maps it to the Unitree G1's joints.
- Data collection: Use the teleoperation system to record demonstrations of whole-body tasks (e.g., walking while reaching, picking and placing objects).
- Policy training: Train selected Imitation Learning models on the collected data.
- Validation: Test the full pipeline first in simulation (e.g., Isaac Sim), then on the real robot.
Qualifications for the role
- Enrolled in a Master's program in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or equivalent
- Solid programming skills in Python and/or C++
- Basic knowledge of robot kinematics and control
- Experience with Imitation Learning, Reinforcement Learning and deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch) is a plus
- Experience with physics simulators (e.g., MuJoCo, Isaac Sim) is a plus
- Hands-on experience with real robot systems is a plus
- Fluent in English (written and spoken)
More about us
Recruiting Manager LiWei Qi, +46 73 021 2309, Supervisor: Marco Iannotta, [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
- Enrollment in a Master's program in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or an equivalent field
- Solid programming skills in Python and/or C++
- Basic knowledge of robot kinematics and control
- Experience with Imitation Learning, Reinforcement Learning, and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch
- Experience with physics simulators such as MuJoCo or Isaac Sim
- Hands-on experience with real robot systems
- Fluent written and spoken English
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
