Stuttgart
Jul 30, 2026
Thesis - Dynamic Path Planning for Coverage Navigation in Mobile Outdoor Robots
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) is one of the world's leading organizations for application-oriented research. 74 institutes develop pioneering technologies for our economy and society – more precisely: 30 000 people from technology, science, administration and IT. They know: Anyone who comes to Fraunhofer wants to and can make a difference. For themselves, for us and for the markets of today and tomorrow.
Vacancy for fields of study such as: Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Control Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Surveying Engineering, or similar.
In the research group “Navigation of Mobile Robots” we develop autonomous, mobile robots for a variety of outdoor applications, such as agriculture, forestry and logistics. The focus is on the development of an autonomous outdoor navigation solution as well as the hardware of the robots.
Over the past years we have developed an autonomous mobile robot for riding-farm use. In multiple applications, the robot has to move a tool over a defined area, ensuring that every reachable part of the area has been covered. The robot may have a-priori information about the general environment layout, but it is to be expected that the environment contains obstacles or is partitioned in a way not apparent when starting the coverage plan. Classic “Coverage Path Planning” algorithms are restricted in their ability to handle previously unknown or partly unknown or changing environments, or produce visually or technically unappealing or suboptimal coverage results. In this thesis, you will first analyze the variety of expected environments and the specific requirements placed on the algorithm. From this, you will evaluate existing algorithms and techniques, and implement a novel solution that fulfills all the defined requirements.
Be part of change
- You will develop a new path planning algorithm capable of handling complex environments with limited robot maneuverability
- Integration: You will integrate your solution on our CURTtrac robot and roll out the development to our growing fleet of robots across germany
- Evaluation: You will compare your solution to our own previous implementations and state of the art techniques
What you contribute
- Background in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Autonomous Systems or similar
- Programming skills in Python, C++ or Rust
- Experience with ROS, first contacts with planning algorithms and robotics
- Analytical mindset and experience in algorithm development
- Enthusiasm for mobile robotics
- Fluent in English or German
What we offer
- Cutting-edge technology in the field of outdoor mobile robotics
- Hands on with our robots on our own test environments in Stuttgart
- Take on responsibility and freedom to implement your own ideas
- Work with the best students in their discipline
We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities.
With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.
Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.
Frau Jennifer Leppich
Recruiting
+49 711 970-1415
Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA
www.ipa.fraunhofer.de
Requisition Number: 85169 Application Deadline:
Job Segment: Test Engineer, Testing, Manufacturing Engineer, Software Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Technology
