Master Thesis: Designing AI Features Users Trust

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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 Lead

Your role and responsibilities

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming part of modern software products, but how should AI-powered features be designed so that users feel informed, confident, and in control?

We are looking for a Master Thesis student interested in UX, interaction design, AI, and human-centered product development. The thesis will explore how AI-driven features should be designed at the interface level, focusing on user expectations, trust, transparency, control, and effective human-AI interaction.

The work includes studying existing or planned AI features, understanding user goals and friction points, exploring interaction patterns, developing and evaluating prototypes, and synthesizing findings into practical design principles that can guide future AI feature development. The research will investigate aspects such as prompts, system behaviour, presentation of information, user control, and how users recover when AI fails.

The expected outcome is a set of recommended design principles for AI-enabled user experiences in an industrial context that can support future product development.

Details:

• Period: January – June 2027
• Number of credits: 30 ECTS/högskolepoäng (hp)
• Number of students for this thesis work: One
• Location: Västerås, Hybrid

Qualifications for the role

• Master’s student in Interaction Design, UX, Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, or similar
• Curious about AI and emerging user experiences
• Interested in combining user research, prototyping, and practical product development
• Knowledge or experience from Robotics is an advantage
  

More about us

Recruiting Manager Johan Backlund, +46 725450903, 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.

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