AI-Driven Adaptive Robotic Manufacturing Systems for the Development and Production of Complex Products in Industry 5.0
This PhD research develops AI-driven adaptive robotic manufacturing systems for Industry 5.0, enabling robots to dynamically respond to changing products, processes, and production conditions. The work integrates intelligent control, digital twins, and human–robot collaboration to accelerate complex product development and manufacturing, supported by TalTech’s advanced Industry 5.0 Future Test Lab and the ÕÜF10 project.
Research description:
Based at TalTech’s Virumaa College and embedded in the ÕÜF10 project, this PhD position focuses on developing adaptive, AI-driven robotic manufacturing systems for Industry 5.0. The research addresses the need for flexible, efficient, and sustainable production systems capable of handling increasingly complex products while reducing the time from product concept to manufacturing. The topic is intentionally broad, allowing candidates to shape the research according to their expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, or digital manufacturing.
The core research challenge is the development of process-adaptable robotic systems that can respond dynamically to changing production requirements, product variants, and uncertain operating conditions. Potential research directions include learning-based control, adaptive task and motion planning, machine perception, autonomous decision-making, and data-driven process optimisation. Digital twin technologies will be used to connect robotic systems with product and production lifecycle data, enabling simulation-driven design, virtual commissioning, and real-time process monitoring and optimisation. Human–robot collaboration, including safety, ergonomics, and user acceptance, forms an important part of the research.
The work is supported by the Industry 5.0 Future Test Lab, featuring collaborative and mobile robots, a humanoid robot, a quadruped robot, large-format additive manufacturing systems, high-speed and thermal imaging equipment, and a metrology-grade 3D scanner. These facilities provide a unique platform for developing and validating next-generation adaptive manufacturing technologies.
Responsibilities and (foreseen) tasks:
- Investigate and develop adaptive solutions for collaborative, mobile, and process-adaptable robots using AI/machine-learning methods
- Develop digital twin–driven methodologies connecting adaptive robotics with product and production lifecycle data
- Develop and evaluate models for human–robot interaction and co-creation, including safety, ergonomics, and user experience
- Integrate software and hardware solutions and use simulation and augmented/virtual environments for modelling and validation
- Apply collaborative and mobile robots, large-format additive manufacturing, high-speed and thermal imaging, and 3D scanning for fabrication, process monitoring, and digital twin construction
- Plan and conduct experiments in real and/or simulated environments; analyse and interpret the resulting data
- Contribute to the development and operation of the Virumaa College laboratories
- Publish results in international journals and conferences and present at scientific events
- Work closely with the ÕÜF10 project team and industrial partners, and complete the required doctoral studies
Applicants should fulfil the following requirements:
- A master’s degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field
- Solid knowledge in at least one of: robotics and automation; digital twins, modelling and simulation; AI/machine learning; manufacturing technologies and Industry 4.0/5.0; or human–robot interaction
- Programming experience in at least one relevant language (e.g., Python, C++, or MATLAB)
- Familiarity with robotics and/or simulation software (e.g., ROS, Unity, or similar) is welcome but can also be acquired during the studies
- Understanding of experimental research methods and the ability to work with both software and hardware systems
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international research environment, with good analytical skills
- Excellent English language skills (written and spoken)
The following experience is beneficial:
- Experience with collaborative robots (cobots), mobile manipulators (AMRs), or legged/humanoid robots, or with ROS / ROS 2
- Knowledge of additive manufacturing (especially polymer FGF/pellet or large-format printing) or digital manufacturing
- Experience with machine vision, high-speed imaging, thermal imaging, or 3D scanning / metrology
- Familiarity with user-centred design, ergonomics, or safety in human–robot interaction
- Previous research experience demonstrated through publications or thesis work
We offer:
- A four-year doctoral position at one of Estonia’s leading technical universities, based at Virumaa College in Ida-Virumaa
- Involvement in the ÕÜF10 project on the development and manufacturing of complex products, with access to Virumaa College and Smart Industry Centre laboratories
- A collaborative, international research environment with opportunities for conference participation, exchanges, and industry cooperation
Supervisors:
Main supervisor: Tenured Full Professor Tauno Otto: School of Engineering: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Co-Supervisor: Postdoctoral Researcher Kaleem Arshid: School of Engineering: Virumaa College: Robot-human co-creation development research group
Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) is an international scientific community with approximately 9,000 students and 2,000 employees; it is one of the largest universities in Estonia, the leading EU country in digitalisation. The university's strengths are broad multidisciplinary study/research interests, a modern research environment, and strong collaboration with international educational and research institutions. TalTech is aiming to be an organisation leading the way to a sustainable digital future.
The doctoral research is based at TalTech’s Virumaa College, a modern regional competence centre in Ida-Virumaa focusing on engineering, digitalisation, and sustainable industrial development. The college supports the transition towards Industry 5.0 through its new “Industry 5.0 Future Test Lab”, recently equipped with collaborative and mobile robots, a humanoid robot and a robot dog, large-format additive manufacturing systems, high-speed and thermal cameras, and metrology-grade 3D scanning, alongside strong ties to local and international industry. The position benefits from close cooperation with the Smart Industry Centre (Targa Tööstuse FTK) and the IVAR Lab at the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, giving the candidate access to complementary laboratory capacity and supervision across both units. TalTech is one of Estonia’s largest universities, in the leading EU country in digitalisation.
For information about the admission process, please visit the PhD Admission homepage
Applications can be submitted from 02.06.2026 to 30.06.2026
