Thesis Work for Scalable Distributed Computation over TSN for Industrial Robot Controllers

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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
Distributing controller functions across computing nodes could enable modular solutions for computationally intensive applications. This thesis offers the opportunity to explore how Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) can support timing predictability and scalability in distributed industrial robot control.

In this thesis, selected TSN traffic-shaping mechanisms and time synchronization will be evaluated using representative distributed industrial robot-controller workloads. Attention will be given to the coexistence of real-time controller traffic and non-real-time traffic on the same network. The objective is to assess how TSN configurations affect end-to-end timing, coordination and scalability, and to identify the runtime overhead and configuration complexity.

Details:

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

Qualifications for the role

• Currently pursuing a master’s degree in computer science, Electrical Engineering, Embedded Systems, Automation, Robotics, or a related field
• Knowledge of real-time systems and time-critical computing concepts
• Experience with networking protocols, industrial networks preferably Ethernet-based communication or Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN)

• Programming skills in C/C++ or Python for system analysis, simulation, or prototyping

• (Bonus) Familiarity with industrial automation, robotics, or motion control systems

More about us

Recruiting Manager Peter Rinderud, +46 72 464 46 84 or peter.rinderud@se.abb.com, 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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