BSc Thesis, MSc Thesis, Forschungspraxis Oppurtunity at Chair of Robotics and Systems Intelligence

22.04.2025, Studentische Hilfskräfte, Praktikantenstellen, Studienarbeiten

Robotic Gripper Development and Testing for High-Acceleration Tasks

Background: With the increasing demand for robots capable of dynamic tasks such as rapid movements, throwing, or swift manipulation, the timing and reliability of gripper release become critical performance factors. Traditional grippers often introduce delays or lag, limiting robot efficiency in highly dynamic operations. An instantaneous and precisely timed gripper release significantly enhances performance and accuracy in tasks requiring rapid acceleration and precise timing. Moreover, the gripper must withstand significant external forces due to higher operational speeds without compromising structural integrity. Therefore, developing a lightweight, robust, and dynamically optimised gripper is crucial for minimising additional load and maximising the overall dynamic capability of robotic systems. This thesis addresses these requirements by further developing and optimising a novel gripper concept, ensuring efficient integration and reliable performance under challenging dynamic conditions.

Objectives:
Gripper design
Control of the gripper
Experiment rig design for acceleration tests
Mass and inertia optimisation of the design
Possible Work Packages:
Literature and market review
Conceptual design
CAD
Prototyping
Control
Design Optimization
Testbed development
Benchmark Testing

Prerequisites:
Educational Background: Mechanical Engineering (with electronics knowledge), Mechatronics Engineering
Skills:
Advanced CAD skills for mechanical design and iteration
Good understanding of Finite Element Analysis (FEA), especially for dynamic loading conditions
Intermediate knowledge of Dynamics and Vibration
Good grasp of Control Engineering, particularly for implementing closed-loop systems
Intermediate skills in Electronics, for integrating and testing the system
Strong overall background in Mechatronics
Hands-on experience with robotic system integration and mechanical optimization is a plus
Mindset: A hands-on, “maker” attitude toward experimental and iterative problem-solving.
GPA Requirement: Minimum GPA of 2.3
Language Requirement: C1 English
Expected Graduation: After Dec 2025

What do I offer?
A very challenging and scientifically satisfactory work.
Upon successful results, co-authorship in my publications.
Unlimited cold beverages.
Quarterly group dinners, during summer days, and barbecues.
Know-how about hardware development, design, machine tools, modelling, DAQs, sensors, experiment design, robotics, academic writing and presentation.

Application Process:

Please follow this link https://www.mehmetcanyildirim.com/for-students/supervision to reach the application form. It is essential for you to take the time to fill out the form in detail. Also, with this link, you will be able to check my other offerings as well; feel free to apply for more than one, but please make sure that you mention all these in your motivation letter. If you have further questions, please send me an email with the subject "MSc/BSc Thesis/Forschungspraxis/Internship/Semesterarbeit - Opening Title - Email Topic"

If you have a friend or a group of friends you enjoy working with, I encourage you to apply together. A group application will be a great opportunity if you have different backgrounds, like mechanical hardware and programming.

You can merge projects like Forschungspraxis+MSc Thesis.

Upon submission of your application, it will undergo a review process. If you are found to be a good fit for the topic, you will receive an invitation for an interview. We kindly ask that you refrain from sending follow-up emails to inquire about your application status until one week after the deadline for this call. You will receive an email notification if your application is unsuccessful, and all submitted information and documentation will be discarded.

Please note that part of the interview will include an oral evaluation of your background and comprehension of concepts pertinent to the thesis. Demonstrating thorough preparation, creativity, and initiative will be beneficial. Before the interview, you will be assigned a brief task (such as modelling, simulation, or a paper study), and additional questions will be related to this task during the interview.

Applications and theses must be submitted in English. Giving a final presentation and reporting for the non-thesis openings is also mandatory.

Kontakt: mehmet.yildirim@tum.de

More Information

https://www.mehmetcanyildirim.com/for-students/supervision