At a Glance
- Tasks: Research and develop humanoid robots for factory automation and material handling tasks.
- Company: MERL, a leader in robotics and AI research.
- Benefits: Flexible start date, competitive pay, and hands-on research experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to publish at top conferences and collaborate with leading researchers.
- Why this job: Join a cutting-edge team and contribute to innovative humanoid robot projects.
- Qualifications: PhD enrolment in relevant fields and research experience in robotics or AI.
MERL is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to conduct research on foundation models for humanoid robot loco manipulation in factory automation with a focus on understanding their capabilities, limitations, safety, and robustness. The internship will focus on developing humanoid systems for material handling tasks such as box/cart transportation, kitting, tool manipulation, failure recovery, and other mobile manipulation tasks in warehouse and manufacturing environments.
The intern will collaborate closely with MERL researchers to develop novel algorithms that integrate Vision Language Action (VLA) models, world models, and robot control for robust long horizon manipulation on real humanoid platforms. Successful candidates should have demonstrated research experience in embodied AI, robot learning, or computer vision with the goal of publishing at leading robotics and AI conferences. Start date and duration is flexible.
Required Specific Experience:
- Current enrollment in a PhD program in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Hands-on research experience with Vision Language Action (VLA) models and/or multimodal foundation models for robotics
- Research experience with world models for robotic planning, prediction, or decision making
- Sim to real transfer and robotic simulation (Isaac Lab, MuJoCo)
- Strong publication record or demonstrated research potential in robotics, embodied AI, computer vision, or machine learning
- Must have some publications in top robotic or AI conferences/journals (e.g., RSS, ICRA, T-RO, RA-L, NeurIPS, ICML, etc.)
Desired Experience:
- Contact-rich manipulation and force-controlled manipulation
- Whole body control for humanoid robots
- Dexterous manipulation or bimanual manipulation
- Reinforcement learning or imitation learning for robotics
- Robot perception, 3D vision, or state estimation
- Sim to real transfer and robotic simulation (Isaac Lab, MuJoCo)
- Experience deploying algorithms on humanoid platforms
The pay range for this internship position will be 6-8K per month.
Internship – Foundation Models for Humanoid Robots in Cambridge employer: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories
MERL is an exceptional employer for aspiring researchers, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives. Interns will benefit from hands-on experience in cutting-edge robotics research, collaborating with leading experts while enjoying a culture that prioritises growth and learning. Located in a vibrant area, MERL provides unique opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that push the boundaries of technology in humanoid robotics.
Contact Details:
Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Internship – Foundation Models for Humanoid Robots in Cambridge
✨Get Hands-On with Projects
Dive into robotics projects that showcase your skills. Try contributing to open-source automation projects on platforms like GitHub, or build your own little robots if you've got the resources. Showcasing tangible results will definitely catch the eye of companies like Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories.
✨Join Robotics Communities
Become an active member of online forums and local robotics clubs. Events like hackathons or competitions can give you great exposure, connect you with industry professionals, and help you learn from others. Networking in these spaces can open doors to internship opportunities at places like Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories.
✨Utilise Your University Connections
Leverage your university’s career services—they often have partnerships with tech companies for internships. Attend job fairs and workshops focusing on robotics and automation to meet potential employers, including Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When you apply, make sure to tailor your application to each specific internship. Highlight any coursework or projects related to robotics-automation. Applying directly through our website can also keep you in front of the selection panel at Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories!
We think you need these skills to ace Internship – Foundation Models for Humanoid Robots in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Technical Skills:When applying for an internship in robotics-automation, make sure to showcase your technical skills in areas like programming (Python, C++) and any experience with robotics software or hardware. Lay it out clearly in your CV and don't forget to include any relevant projects or coursework that demonstrate your abilities!
Demonstrate Your Passion for Innovation:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for robotics and automation shine through! Share what inspired you to pursue this field, any related experiences you've had, and how you see yourself growing in the role at Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories. We're looking for candidates who are eager to learn and innovate!
Showcase Any Relevant Projects:If you've been involved in robotics projects—whether for coursework, personal projects, or even clubs—mention these in your application. Include links to any online repositories (like GitHub) or documentation in your CV that reflect your hands-on experience. It’s a great way to set yourself apart!
Tailor Your Application to the Company:Every internship application should feel personal. Research Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories and understand their projects or technologies they use. Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect how your skills align with their work, making it clear why you'd be a great fit for their team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories
✨Brush Up on Your Programming Skills
Since you're diving into the world of robotics and automation, make sure you're comfortable with programming languages like Python or C++. Expect some technical questions or even coding challenges. Practising on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank can give you a solid edge.
✨Showcase Relevant Projects
Bring along any portfolios or projects you've worked on, even if they were just uni assignments. Highlight what you’ve built, the tools you used, and the challenges you solved. This’ll not only demonstrate your skills but also your passion for robotics.
✨Understand the Automation Tools
Familiarise yourself with common automation tools and software that are prevalent in the industry. Knowing the basics of tools like ROS (Robot Operating System) or PLC programming would show you're serious about the role and willing to learn.
✨Demonstrate Your Eagerness to Learn
As an intern, they won't expect you to know it all, but they will value your enthusiasm and drive to learn. Prepare to discuss what specific skills and areas in robotics excite you, and how you hope to develop your expertise while working at Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories.
