Master Thesis - Economic Potential Analysis of Autonomous Field Robotics in the Context of Precision

In the Professional Service Robots - Outdoor research group we develop autonomous, mobile robots for a variety of outdoor applications, such as agriculture and forestry. The focus is on the development of an autonomous outdoor navigation solution as well as the hardware of the robots.
The autonomous field robots currently under development in the prototype phase, are meant to support farmers for various work processes in speciality crops, such as cultivation of nuts, fruits or coffee. Based on the technical potential, the economic potential that autonomous field robotics can realise must be clarified. This assessment requires an understanding of the market environment, which will be developed as part of the final thesis.

What you will do

The thesis aims to improve market understanding of robot technologies in various cultivation processes. Therefore, at the beginning of the thesis, it will be necessary to acquire background knowledge on robotics and precision agriculture. Based on this, relevant influencing factors for the market environment will be identified and evaluated. A quantitative market environment analysis should then form the basis for deriving economic potential for automation through robotics. 
At the end, a case study could be developed for one of the research group's robots. 

What you bring to the table

• A background in industrial engineering with a focus on robotics 
• Enthusiasm for robots and new technologies
• Good ability to work in a cross-disciplinary team
• Fluent in English or German 
• Excellent grades 

What you can expect

• Cutting-edge technology in the field of outdoor mobile robotics 
• Hands on with our robots on our own test fields in Stuttgart
• Take on responsibility and freedom to implement your own ideas
• Work with the best students in their discipline 
• Familiar atmosphere including Cake Friday

We also offer the possibility of direct entry for excellent graduates.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. 

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

If you are interested, please submit a short letter of motivation on your personal favourite topic listed above, CV, current grade transcript to kevin.bregler@ipa.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA

Requisition Number: 71229                Application Deadline: