Thesis Work - Accelerated Robot Cell Setup with a Multimodal AI Assistant in Virtual 3D Environments

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General information

We are glad to offer a challenging and exciting master thesis project at ABB Robotics, a leading supplier of industrial robots and robot software, equipment and complete application solutions. You will be a part of the Software group in Molndal, where we work with the development of RobotStudio, the worlds most used offline tool for robotic programming, modelling, simulation and offline programming of ABB robots.

This thesis is performed in collaboration with the project Production for Future. Production for Future is a project that aims to disseminate knowledge about sustainability, diversity and technology. Together with numerous partner companies, the team of students and companies develops technical solutions and creates knowledge that is shown in workshops with people from industry, school classes and teachers. This master thesis shall enhance the collaboration and bring important insights for both Production for Future and ABB. For more information about Production for Future go to: https://www.productionforfuture.com/

A brief introduction of the thesis work
Configuring shopfloor layouts in a 3D environment involves many steps and can be time-consuming: importing layouts and CAD, placing devices and fixtures, configuring tools and I/O, defining safety zones, and preparing simulations and checks.This thesis explores a multimodal, agentic AI approach that uses language, vision, and structured data to automate and accelerate key parts of ABB RobotStudio cell setup. You will investigate state-of-the-art AI methods and prototype an agent that can interpret inputs like sketches, CAD, BOMs, and textual specs, then propose or execute setup actions in RobotStudio to reduce time-to-simulation and improve consistency.

The thesis students will have access to workplaces at ABB in Molndal, and the work should preferably be done partly on site at our office in Molndal and partly at the university, as per the agreement with the students.

Period: January to June 2026
Number of credits: 30 ECTS/hogskolepoang (hp)
Number of students for this thesis work: 2
Location: Performed partly on site (Molndal, Sweden)

Your responsibilities

• Review state-of-the-art methods in multimodal AI (language + vision), agent frameworks, and tool-use relevant to robotics software and CAD/3D workflows.
• Explore integration options with RobotStudio (e.g., SDK/API, add-ins, automation interfaces) and define a safe, incremental agent action space for cell setup tasks.
• Design and implement a prototype multimodal AI agent that interprets inputs (drawings, CAD, layouts, BOMs, text specs) and recommends or performs setup actions in RobotStudio.
• Build data and prompt/tool pipelines for tasks such as component identification, device/fixture placement, basic I/O mapping, and simulation configuration.
• Develop evaluation protocols and baselines to quantify acceleration (e.g., time-to-setup, error rate, rework) on representative cell scenarios.
• Conduct small-scale user studies or expert reviews with RobotStudio users to validate usability, safety, and impact on workflow.
• Document architecture, design decisions, datasets, and results; deliver a demo and recommendations for further development and industrialization.
• Collaborate closely with ABB supervisors while driving your work independently, communicating progress, risks, and findings regularly.
• You will embody ABB's core values of safety and integrity, taking responsibility for your actions while caring for your colleagues and the business.

Your background

• You are pursuing a master's degree in computer science, Robotics, AI/ML, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Strong programming skills in C# and .NET; experience building plugins/add-ins and integrating with SDKs/APIs (RobotStudio ecosystem is a plus).
• Understanding of modern AI/ML in a .NET environment, especially large language models and/or computer vision; experience orchestrating LLMs and tools with Microsoft Semantic Kernel is a strong plus.
• Experience with one or more of: Microsoft Semantic Kernel, Azure OpenAI Service, Azure AI Vision/Document Intelligence, ML.NET, Emgu CV (.NET/OpenCV), CAD/3D geometry processing or RobotStudio APIs, and agent/tool-use patterns in .NET.
• Interest in robotics simulation and offline programming; prior exposure to RobotStudio or similar tools is meritorious.
• Comfortable designing experiments, evaluating results, and communicating findings clearly in English.
• Proactive, collaborative, and able to work partly on site in Molndal per agreed schedule.

More about us
Bring your very own sense of pride and purpose as you help us drive forward the Fourth Industrial Revolution - creating a sustainable future for our planet, and your career. Join ABB and harness the power of our diverse global network, as you collaborate with and learn from our world-class teams. Above all, challenge yourself every day. Let's write the future, together.

Recruiting Manager:Goran Holmqvist,goran.holmqvist@se.abb.com

For questions regarding the content of the thesis work, contact:Oskar Henriksson,oskar.henriksson@se.abb.com

Positions are filled continuously. Apply with your CV, academic transcripts, and a cover letter in English. Welcome to apply!

Join us. Be part of the team where progress happens, industries transform, and your work shapes the world. Run What Runs the World.

Exciting Career Opportunity in Robotics

This role is part of ABB's Robotics business, which is preparing to become an independent company. By joining us now, you'll be part of a dynamic and fast-paced organization at the forefront of robotics innovation. As we transition into a separate entity outside the ABB Group, you'll have the chance to shape the future, grow your career, and work alongside world-class experts in a more agile and entrepreneurial environment.

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.