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Thesis Work: Stiffness correlation of FEA calculations and real robot stiffness

ABB Inc.
United States, North Carolina, Cary
305 Gregson Drive (Show on map)
Oct 18, 2025
At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we'll give you what you need to make it happen. It won't always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you'll never run alone. Run what runs the world. This Position reports to: R&D Team Lead We are offering an exciting master thesis opportunity within Mechanical Analysis R&D. You can be a part of our team responsible for simulation, optimization and calculations on the robots. To achieve a proper balance between performance, strength, quality, safety and cost, we continuously develop new types of manipulators consisting of motors, gears and arms. An integral factor for this balance is the stiffness of the complete robot system. Not stiff enough and there will be control issues, too stiff and the robot will be too heavy. The goal of this thesis project is to develop and compare method(s) of performing stiffness analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools of a robot within an early project state. The comparisons will be made with actual robot stiffness measurements to verify the developed method(s). Details Period: January-June 2026 Number of credits: 30 ECTS Number of students: 1 Location: Mostly on-site in Vasteras Your Responsibilities Literature study on mechanical system stiffness analysis Familiarity with ABB Robotics' current in-house stiffness analysis methodology Familiarity with ABB Robotics' SimCenter Nastran FEA tools and models Using the literature study and current ABB methodology, investigate how to improve tools and methodology of complete Robot system stiffness analysis in early product development phase Apply improvements on the methodology to test stiffness prediction against measurements on an actual robot Your Background Engineering student in Mechanical Engineering, Technical Physics, Aeronautics, or a program with a similar profile, with an orientation towards Computational Mechanics and/or Materials Basic knowledge in Solid mechanics and Finite Element Method You are self-driven, structured and analytical Fluent in both spoken and written English, which is the corporate language used for all documentation More about us ABBis a global technology leader in electrification and automation. We see our purpose as being to enable a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting our engineering and digitalization expertise, we help industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. We call this: 'Engineered to Outrun.' Supervisor Mike Demant, +46 724 64 43 95, will answer your questions. Recruiting Manger is Viktoria Sakar, +46 730 60 90 55. Positions are filled continuously. Please apply with your CV, academic transcripts and a cover letter in English. Join us. Be part of the team where progress happens, industries transform, and your work shapes the world. Run What Runs the World. Exciting Career Opportunity in Robotics This role is part of ABB's Robotics business, which is preparing to become an independent company. By joining us now, you'll be part of a dynamic and fast-paced organization at the forefront of robotics innovation. As we transition into a separate entity outside the ABB Group, you'll have the chance to shape the future, grow your career, and work alongside world-class experts in a more agile and entrepreneurial environment. 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.