Thesis: Sim-to-Real Transfer for Humanoid Robots (all genders)

At the Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB, we turn the latest scientific findings into technical innovations – thus contributing to shaping the future.

Through your thesis, you will support our team in the field of Human-AI Interaction and work on applied research projects carried out in cooperation with industry or research partners. This will allow you to put your theoretical knowledge directly into practice. In our research group, we develop complex experimental setups and demonstrators to test humanoid robots in human-centered environments.

Sounds exciting? Then apply now! We are looking for reinforcement for our team starting in October 2026 for a period of six months. Just a ten-minute walk from the Campus South of KIT, your opportunity awaits to become part of our renowned research institution.

Be part of change

• Setup of a simulation environment for tool-delivery tasks (e.g. in Isaac Sim)
• Implementation of reinforcement learning policies for grasping and transport manipulation in simulation
• Application of domain randomization and transfer strategies (sim-to-real)
• Validation of trained policies on the real humanoid robot and documentation of the transfer

What You Contribute

• You are currently studying computer science, mechanical engineering, robotics or a comparable field
• Basic knowledge of Python, ideally with PyTorch
• Experience or interest in simulation tools, in particular Isaac Sim
• Familiar with ROS2
• Enjoy programming and are eager to acquire new knowledge
• You bring scientific curiosity and a desire for academic discussion and exchange
• Good German and English skills

What We Offer

• Central location: Just a few minutes' walk from the KIT Campus South and excellent public transport connections.
• Flexible working hours: Your studies come first – together we will find a suitable arrangement.
• Flexible working: Mobile working is possible by individual arrangement with your supervisor.
• Applied projects: Collaboration with industry partners and application of research results in humanoid robotics.
• Individual supervision: Benefit from our professional guidance and an open, communicative exchange within the team.

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.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:

David Lerch

+49 160 1112937

Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB

www.iosb.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 85644 Application Deadline: