Master Thesis – Reinforcement Learning for Autonomous Pallet Handling

General Information

Reference

2025-5223  

Publication Date

30/09/2025

Position Description

Category

Active Jobs - Research & Development

Job Title

Master Thesis – Reinforcement Learning for Autonomous Pallet Handling

Job Description

In Toyota Material Handling Europe, we are over 13,500 colleagues passionate about supporting companies of all sizes with todays and tomorrow’s material handling challenges. Because we know that our business and our industry are essential and sometimes even critical for you, for daily life and society at large.      
In a rapidly growing high-tech industry in fast transformation, Toyota Material Handling Europe is stable, global and influential. We are committed to continuous improvement and innovation and we aim to strengthen our capabilities as a learning organisation.   

About the Thesis 
Accurate lifting and placement of pallets is a complex task. It requires high precision, detailed knowledge of rack dimensions and locations, and often involves time-consuming commissioning procedures. Developing autonomous solutions has the potential to significantly increase efficiency in warehouse operations. 

This Master Thesis will focus on applying Reinforcement Learning (RL) in simulation to train forklift agents for autonomous pallet handling tasks. 

You will be based at our Innovation Centre in Vallastaden, Linköping, just a five-minute walk from the university. The Centre offers a dedicated student area where you can collaborate with other Master’s students, exchange ideas with our engineers and play an active role in the daily dynamics of innovation. You will also have the opportunity to visit our factory and laboratories in Mjölby, gaining close insight into our core operations. 

• Thesis Objectives 
• The thesis will focus on: 
• Training a forklift agent in NVIDIA Omniverse using Reinforcement Learning. 
• Developing autonomous strategies for lifting and placing pallets in warehouse racks. 
• Evaluating the potential of simulation-based learning for future autonomous forklift functions. 
• Your Contribution 
• As a thesis student, you will: 
• Implement and train RL models for forklift pallet handling. 
• Test and refine algorithms in a simulated warehouse environment. 
• Analyse results and propose improvements for real-world application. 

Your Profile

• Your Profile 
• We are looking for: 
• One or two Master’s students in Computer Science, AI/ML, Robotics or related fields. 
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or C++. 
• Experience with Machine Learning algorithms. 
• Understanding of Reinforcement Learning concepts. 
• Familiarity with algorithm design and implementation. 
• Experience with simulation environments such as Omniverse or Unity. (a plus, but not mandatory).  

Our Offer

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to conduct your thesis within a global leader in material handling solutions. 
• Access to experts and resources in a dynamic R&D environment. 
• Support and mentorship from professionals at both the company and RISE throughout the whole process. 
• Compensation according to Toyota Material Handling Europe’s policy for thesis students. 
• Practical Information 
• Start date: January 2026 
• Duration: Typically, 20 weeks, aligned with your programme. (30hp) 
• Location: Linköping / Mjölby, Sweden (Innovation Centre with option for remote work) 

More Information

Your Application 
Send your application as soon as possible and no later than November 6th 2025. We review applications continuously, so don’t wait to apply. We’re not looking for perfect. We’re looking for curious, courageous, creative minds who want to MOVE the World with us. 

Applications Should Include:

• CV 
• A short personal letter 
• Transcript of records 

For more information about this thesis topic, please contact Vasileia Kampouraki, AI and Machine Learning Engineer at Vasileia.Kampouraki@toyota-industries.eu 

For questions about the recruitment process, please contact Victoria Östryd Söderlind; victoria.ostrydsoderlind@toyota-industries.eu

#Europe

Contract Type

Internship/Master Thesis

Position Location

Job Location

Sweden

Location

LinköPing / MjöLby