Thesis Work -Current Source Inverters for High-Performance Electrical Drives in Robotic Applications

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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 Center Lead

 

Your role and responsibilities

Electrification of robotic systems is driving the demand for compact, efficient, and highly dynamic motor drive technologies. While most modern motor drives rely on voltage source inverters (VSIs), recent advances in wide-bandgap semiconductor devices have renewed interest in current source inverter (CSI) topologies. In particular, the availability of fast bidirectional switching devices based on Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology may enable CSI-based drives with improved power density, fault tolerance, and electromagnetic performance.

This thesis will investigate the feasibility of current source inverter technology for electrical drives intended for robotic applications. The work will include a comparative assessment of CSI and VSI solutions with respect to efficiency, dynamic performance, controllability, power density, and practical implementation constraints. Depending on the availability of hardware resources, the project may also explore the application of emerging GaN-based bidirectional switching devices and evaluate their potential benefits in robotics-oriented drive systems.

 

Details:

• Period: January 2027 to June 2027
• Number of credits:  30 ECTS/högskolepoäng (hp)
• Number of students for this thesis work: 1
• Location: ABB Robotics Sweden AB, Västerås

 

A central objective of the thesis is the development of simulation and analysis tools for the modelling and evaluation of CSI-fed electrical machines. The student will construct parametric models of the power electronic converter, electrical machine, and control system, enabling systematic investigation of operating principles, modulation strategies, and drive performance. Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of modern AI-assisted engineering tools for software development, model generation, and design-space exploration.

 

The project combines power electronics, electrical drives, control engineering, and scientific computing. The expected outcome is a technology assessment of current source inverter solutions for robotic actuation together with a simulation framework that can support future research and development activities in high-performance electric drive systems.

Qualifications for the role

Students interested in any of the following topics are encouraged to apply:

• Next-generation power electronics
• Robotics and motion control
• Electrical drives and motor control
• Wide-bandgap semiconductor technologies
• Digital twins and simulation-driven engineering
• AI-assisted engineering and code generation

The project offers the opportunity to explore an unconventional inverter technology that could play a role in future high-performance robotic systems, while gaining experience in modeling, control, simulation, and potentially experimental validation of advanced power electronic converters.

The ideal candidate has completed courses in one or more of the following areas:

• Power electronics
• Electrical drives and motor control
• Control theory
• Electrical machines
• Modeling and simulation
• Scientific programming

Experience with Matlab/Simulink, Python, circuit simulation tools, or embedded control development is advantageous but not required.

More about us

Recruiting Manager LiWei Qi, +46 73 021 2309, 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.

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