Thesis Work: Conceptual Study of Compact Power Electronics for 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 Department/Local Unit Lead

Your role and responsibilities

Background:

Large industrial robots are typically controlled by external cabinets, which take up valuable space on the factory floor. At the same time, power electronics technology is developing rapidly. New semiconductor materials such as Silicone Carbide and Gallium Nitride, together with more compact packaging and cooling concepts, are creating new possibilities for future robot control solutions. This opens an interesting area for investigation: how future power electronics could help make industrial robot systems more compact, flexible, and efficient.

Details:

• Period: January to June

• Number of credits:  30 ECTS

• Number of students for this thesis work: 1-2

• Location: Västerås, Finnslätten mainly on-site

Objective

The objective of this master thesis is to investigate, on a conceptual level, how future power electronics technologies could enable more compact robot control solutions. The work will include a study of relevant semiconductor technologies, packaging concepts, and thermal design aspects. The thesis will focus on feasibility, trade-offs, and key technology factors rather than detailed product-specific implementation.

Scope:

• Analyze high-level requirements and constraints for compact integration of power electronics in industrial robot systems.

• Benchmark relevant semiconductor technologies, such as SiC and GaN, and assess their potential for future compact drive solutions.

• Explore conceptual converter and packaging approaches suitable for compact industrial robot applications.

• Investigate thermal design challenges and identify possible cooling principles for compact power electronics solutions.

• Summarize key technology factors, potential feasibility limits, and areas for further investigation.

Qualifications for the role

• Master’s student in electrical engineering, power electronics, mechatronics, engineering physics, or a related field.

• Good understanding of power electronics, electric drives, semiconductors, and/or thermal design.

• Interest in industrial robotics, compact electronics design, and future automation technologies.

• Ability to work independently, structure technical investigations, and compare different solution concepts.

• Experience with simulation or calculation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, LTspice, Ansys, or similar is an advantage.

• Basic knowledge of SiC/GaN devices, converter topologies, or cooling concepts is beneficial but not required.

• Good written and spoken English. Swedish language skills are an advantage, as much of the daily communication in the team is in Swedish.

More about us

We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit www.abb.com to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe.

Supervisor Erik Velander, erik.velander@se.abb.com and Tomas Botold, tomas.botold@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.