Bachel./MA Thesis „Active Ground Leveling: Design of a Robotic Leveling System for Outdoor Surfaces"

In the "Field Robotics" group at Fraunhofer IPA in Stuttgart, we are an international research team passionate about developing holistic robotic systems for sustainable and future-proof agriculture in Europe. In doing so, we rely on advanced AI technology to improve food quality, protect our environment without economically disadvantaging farmers, and create sustainable pathways to regenerative and ecological agriculture.
 
To create robotic systems as a whole, we develop our own robust and reliable robotic hardware for outdoor applications. Most recently, this includes processing of outdoor surfaces and particularly active leveling.
We offer you the opportunity to participate in this mechatronic design and control research by designing and building your own robotic subsystem.

What you will do

In your thesis, you will research and develop a concept for automatic ground levelling using our mobile robot CURT. The input of the robot will be a LIDAR-based point cloud and derived topographic maps. 
You will carry out literature research and hands-on experiments to investigate the optimal method to level a large and loose area of sand. Based on these investigations you will then develop a sensorized tool and an actuated mechanism for a kinematic interface to perform this levelling task with our robot. 
The assembly of a prototype will allow you to finally evaluate its performance in the real setting. 
The work requires a high degree of initiative, a love of scientific methodology and a desire for practical evaluation processes in real applications. ​​

What you bring to the table

•      Background in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or similar 
•      Profound knowledge in mechanical design and technical mechanics
•      Experience with CAD software
•      Knowledge of FEM is a plus
•      Experience in agriculture is a plus 
•      Enthusiasm for mobile robotics
•      Fluent in English or German

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 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. 

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions, please contact: johannes.frey@ipa.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA

Requisition Number: 77019                Application Deadline: