. Key Responsibilities
A. Robotic Manipulator and Robotic Arm Development
- Lead the complete design and development of robotic manipulator systems with 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 degrees of freedom.
- Develop robotic arms for object manipulation, positioning, inspection, material handling, pick-and-place, and remotely operated applications.
- Define robotic arm architecture, joint configurations, link dimensions, workspace, end-effector requirements, payload capacity, and mechanical constraints.
- Perform forward and inverse kinematic calculations for serial-link robotic manipulators.
- Develop mathematical models for joint positions, orientations, velocities, accelerations, and end-effector trajectories.
- Implement DenavitHartenberg (DH) parameterization, homogeneous transformations, rotation matrices, Euler angles, quaternions, and coordinate-frame transformations.
- Develop and validate Jacobian-based velocity kinematics and differential motion models.
- Analyze manipulator singularities, redundancy, workspace limitations, and joint constraints.
- Perform static and dynamic torque calculations considering link masses, payload, gravity, inertia, friction, and acceleration.
- Select and size motors, gearboxes, bearings, encoders, joint actuators, and transmission mechanisms.
- Develop synchronized multi-axis motion control and trajectory execution.
- Integrate robotic grippers, end effectors, force sensors, and application-specific tools.
- Implement joint-level and Cartesian-space motion control.
- Validate manipulator accuracy, repeatability, load-carrying capability, and mechanical reliability.
B. Mathematical Modelling, Kinematics and Robot Dynamics
The candidate must demonstrate strong mathematical fundamentals and the ability to independently derive and implement mathematical models of robotic mechanisms.
Key technical requirements include:
- Forward kinematics and inverse kinematics.
- Differential kinematics and Jacobian matrix formulation.
- Homogeneous transformation matrices and coordinate transformations.
- Rotation matrices, axis-angle representations, Euler angles, and quaternion mathematics.
- DenavitHartenberg convention and screw-theory fundamentals.
- Robot workspace analysis and manipulability assessment.
- Static equilibrium, forces, moments, torque, and load analysis.
- Inertia tensor calculation and rigid-body dynamics.
- EulerLagrange and NewtonEuler dynamic formulations.
- Joint-space and Cartesian-space trajectory generation.
- Polynomial and spline-based motion planning.
- Velocity, acceleration, jerk, and actuator-limit constraints.
- Dynamic system modelling using differential equations.
- Motion profiling and time-parameterized trajectory planning.
- Numerical methods and optimization techniques for solving kinematic and dynamic problems.
- Model-based robot control, gravity compensation, feedforward control, and feedback stabilization.
- Practical experience implementing mathematical models using MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C++, or equivalent engineering tools is essential.
C. Tracked Robotic Systems and Unmanned Ground Vehicles
- Lead the design and development of tracked and wheeled robotic platforms for indoor, outdoor, industrial, and rough-terrain applications.
- Design tracked locomotion systems, including track assemblies, sprockets, idlers, rollers, tensioning mechanisms, chassis structures, and suspension arrangements.
- Develop skid-steering and differential-drive motion models for mobile robotic platforms.
- Perform vehicle mobility calculations considering weight distribution, ground clearance, traction, track-ground interaction, gradeability, obstacle clearance, and terrain conditions.
- Calculate motor torque, gear reduction, drive speed, traction requirements, and power consumption.
- Design compact, rugged robotic platforms capable of negotiating uneven terrain, obstacles, slopes, gravel, and other challenging surfaces.
- Integrate robotic manipulators onto tracked or wheeled mobile platforms.
- Analyze combined manipulator and mobile-platform stability under varying payload and operating conditions.
- Develop teleoperated, semi-autonomous, and autonomous motion-control capabilities.
- Integrate wheel or track encoders, IMUs, motor controllers, cameras, LiDAR, and other navigation sensors.
- Develop and validate emergency-stop functions, motion limits, fail-safe controls, and communication-loss handling.
- Conduct real-world mobility, endurance, load, and environmental testing.
D. Compact / Dwarf Robotic Systems
- Design and develop compact, low-profile, lightweight robotic systems for confined-space mobility, inspection, remote operation, and specialized applications.
- Develop miniature tracked or wheeled robot architectures with emphasis on mobility, stability, and mechanical packaging.
- Optimize mechanical components, actuator placement, power distribution, electronics, and sensor integration within restricted dimensions.
- Design compact gear mechanisms, drive trains, suspension systems, and articulated structures.
- Calculate stability, traction, torque requirements, center of gravity, and power-to-weight performance.
- Integrate compact robotic arms, grippers, cameras, and application-specific payloads.
- Develop wired or wireless teleoperation interfaces, with appropriate
communication-loss safety behavior.
- Optimize battery consumption, system weight, mechanical durability, and thermal performance.
- Validate the platform under realistic operating conditions, including restricted spaces, uneven surfaces, and obstacle negotiation.
E. Mechanical Design and Engineering
- Independently develop 3D mechanical designs, assemblies, detailed manufacturing drawings, and engineering documentation.
- Design robotic joints, linkages, actuator mounts, frames, articulated mechanisms, and mechanical transmission systems.
- Perform component selection and engineering calculations for structural strength, stiffness, deflection, fatigue, and load-bearing capability.
- Conduct tolerance analysis, fits and clearances, and design-for-assembly assessments.
- Perform finite element analysis where required for structural and mechanical validation.
- Select suitable manufacturing methods, materials, fasteners, bearings, shafts, gears, and actuators.
- Develop mechanisms using harmonic drives, planetary gearboxes, belt drives, lead screws, ball screws, and other appropriate transmission technologies.
- Coordinate fabrication, CNC machining, sheet-metal manufacturing, 3D printing, assembly, and prototype modification.
- Prepare engineering drawings, bills of materials, part specifications, and manufacturing documentation.
- Resolve mechanical issues related to backlash, misalignment, vibration, friction, overheating, and component wear.
Experience with SolidWorks, CATIA, Autodesk Fusion, Creo, or comparable CAD/CAE software is required.
F. Robotics Control Systems and Embedded Integration
- Develop control architectures for robotic manipulators and mobile robotic platforms.
- Implement PID, cascaded PID, feedforward, and model-based control where appropriate.
- Develop joint position, velocity, and torque-control strategies.
- Integrate servo motors, BLDC motors, DC motors, stepper motors, linear actuators, and appropriate motor drivers.
- Work with absolute and incremental encoders, limit switches, current sensors, force sensors, IMUs, and other feedback devices.
- Develop deterministic control loops, actuator synchronization, calibration routines, and feedback monitoring.
- Interface robotic hardware with embedded controllers, industrial controllers, and edge computing systems.
- Work with communication protocols such as CAN, CAN open, RS-485, UART, SPI, I2C, Ethernet, Modbus, and Ether CAT, where applicable.
- Develop control and integration software using C, C++, and Python.
- Integrate microcontrollers, STM32, ESP32, industrial controllers, and NVIDIA Jetson platforms, depending on system requirements.
- Develop fault detection, health monitoring, watchdogs, interlocks, and emergency-stop mechanisms.
- Troubleshoot problems involving sensors, actuators, communication networks, control-loop instability, and electrical or mechanical integration.
G. ROS / ROS 2 and Robotics Software
- Develop and integrate robotic systems using ROS and preferably ROS 2.
- Design modular robotics software architectures supporting sensors, actuators, navigation, manipulation, and control.
- Develop ROS nodes, topics, services, actions, lifecycle components, and communication interfaces.
- Prepare and maintain URDF/Xacro robot descriptions and associated kinematic models.
- Configure robot transformations, joint-state publishing, controller interfaces, and robot visualization.
- Integrate MoveIt / MoveIt 2 for manipulator motion planning, collision checking, and trajectory execution.
- Implement ROS 2 Control or suitable equivalent interfaces for hardware actuation.
- Use RViz and Gazebo or equivalent simulation tools for modelling and system validation.
- Work with navigation frameworks such as Nav2 for applicable autonomous mobile robot applications.
- Integrate odometry, localization, obstacle detection, and path- planning modules.
- Diagnose real-time performance, communication latency, timing, synchronization, and control stability issues.
- Develop maintainable software components with version control, test procedures, and technical documentation.
H. Autonomous Navigation and Sensor Integration
- Integrate LiDAR, depth cameras, stereo cameras, IMUs, wheel encoders, and GNSS where required.
- Understand robot localization, odometry, mapping, SLAM, and navigation fundamentals.
- Develop or integrate obstacle detection, collision avoidance, and local/global path planning.
- Work with occupancy grids, costmaps, and terrain representations.
- Integrate perception outputs with robot motion controllers and safety mechanisms.
- Conduct sensor mounting, coordinate-frame calibration, and time-synchronization activities.
- Evaluate system performance under changing lighting, terrain, vibration, and operational conditions.
I. Simulation, Prototyping, Testing and Validation
- Develop functional prototypes and validate engineering calculations against measured system behavior.
- Perform robot modelling and simulation using MATLAB/Simulink, Gazebo, or equivalent simulation environments.
- Validate robotic kinematics, dynamics, trajectory execution, and actuator performance.
- Prepare test procedures for manipulators, mobile platforms, electronic subsystems, and integrated robotic systems.
- Conduct payload testing, torque verification, positioning accuracy tests, repeatability measurements, and endurance testing.
- Evaluate robotic arm motion across its complete usable workspace.
- Test tracked-platform mobility, obstacle negotiation, slope operation, stability, and endurance.
- Validate sensor feedback, control stability, software functionality, and operator-command response.
- Perform systematic debugging, failure analysis, root-cause investigation, and design improvement.
- Maintain test reports, engineering calculations, validation records, and configuration-controlled technical documentation.
- Support customer demonstrations, site trials, technical reviews, and deployment activities.
J. Technical Leadership and Project Execution
- Lead a multidisciplinary team involving mechanical design, robotics software, embedded electronics, controls, and system integration.
- Convert functional and operational requirements into detailed engineering specifications.
- Define system architecture, development schedules, technical milestones, and acceptance criteria.
- Review CAD models, engineering calculations, control algorithms, embedded software, and integration designs.
- Allocate technical tasks and mentor junior robotics, mechanical, and embedded engineers.
- Coordinate with manufacturing teams, suppliers, integration engineers, and project stakeholders.
- Manage technical dependencies, design risks, prototype iterations, and integration issues.
- Participate directly in engineering development rather than functioning only as a project coordinator.
- Take ownership of robotic system performance, design quality, reliability, and successful demonstration.
- Present technical progress, design decisions, calculations, test results, and engineering recommendations to management and customers.
3. Mandatory Technical Skills
The candidate must have demonstrable practical expertise in the following areas:
Mandatory Technical Skills Key Points
- Robotic Manipulators: Hands-on experience with 26 DOF robotic arms and mechanisms.
- Forward & Inverse Kinematics: Mathematical derivation, implementation and validation.
- Robotics Mathematics: Linear algebra, Jacobians, transformations and dynamics.
- Robot Dynamics: Mass, inertia, torque, force and motion calculations.
- Mechanical Design: 3D CAD, machine design, mechanisms and engineering drawings.
- Actuator Selection: Servo, BLDC/DC motors, gearboxes and encoders.
- Motion Control: Position, velocity, trajectory and feedback control.
- Mobile Robotics: Wheeled/tracked robot mechanics and drivetrain design.
- Programming: Proficiency in C++ and Python.
4. Preferred Technical Experience
Additional preference will be given to candidates with experience in:
- Complete development of robotic manipulators with 46 degrees of freedom.
- Robotic arms integrated onto mobile tracked or wheeled platforms.
- Compact or dwarf robotic platforms with specialized mobility or manipulation mechanisms.
- ROS 2, MoveIt 2, ROS 2 Control, RViz, and Gazebo.
- Autonomous mobile robots, UGVs, or industrial robotic platforms.
- NVIDIA Jetson-based robotics controllers.
- Real-time Linux, embedded control, and deterministic communication systems.
- Force/torque sensing, compliant manipulation, impedance/admittance control, and visual servoing.
- Mobile manipulation, coordinated base-and-arm control, and whole-system stability analysis.
- Sensor fusion, SLAM, localization, autonomous navigation, and obstacle avoidance.
- Custom robotic joint actuator development.
- Electromechanical system integration, cable routing, electrical protection, and thermal management.
- Design of rugged robotic systems suitable for industrial or challenging outdoor environments.
- Hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop validation.
- Robot safety engineering and applicable industrial safety standards.
- Prototype-to-production engineering, supplier coordination, and field qualification.
- Robotics-related research, patents, publications, or deployed product development.
5. Educational Qualifications Required:
B.Tech / B.E. in one of the following disciplines:
- Robotics Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Automation and Robotics
- Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering with substantial robotics specialization
- Instrumentation and Control Engineering with substantial robotics experience
- An equivalent engineering discipline with demonstrable robotics system development experience
Preferred:
M.Tech / M.E. / M.S. in Robotics, Mechatronics, Control Systems, Mechanical Design,
Automation, or related specializations.
6. Professional Experience
- Minimum five years of relevant professional experience in robotic system design and development.
- At least two years of demonstrable technical ownership or leadership of significant robotic subsystems or multidisciplinary development activities.
- Proven hands-on experience developing robotic arms or articulated mechanisms.
- Experience deriving and implementing forward and inverse kinematics for actual hardware.
- Experience with robotic mechanical design, actuator sizing, motion control, and system integration.
- Exposure to tracked, wheeled, or compact mobile robotics development.
- Experience taking robotic systems through design, fabrication, assembly, integration, troubleshooting, and validation.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve technical challenges independently and guide engineering teams.
