Our team and mission

The Robotics & IoT Lab at the European Astronaut Centre focuses on advancing robotic systems and human–robot interaction in support of space exploration. Our work spans robotic autonomy, AI-supported decision-making, and XR-enabled control concepts.

This internship addresses humanoid robotics in environments relevant to exploration: locomotion on uneven terrain in our lunar analogue facility, operation under extreme conditions like the lunar south pole, and collaboration with humans in shared workspaces. A particular focus is exploring XR-based teleoperation and supervision of humanoid robots, including predictive simulation approaches that compensate for pronounced communication delays in off-Earth scenarios. Additionally, a key objective is to integrate modern AI methods into control and decision-making, enabling humanoid robots to adapt to unpredictable environments and support astronauts more effectively.

The project contributes to ESA’s efforts to bridge human presence, robotic autonomy, and immersive control systems, strengthening Europe’s expertise in humanoid robotics and human–robot teaming for future exploration missions.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int  

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Programming, Training, and Human–Robot Interaction with a Humanoid Robot for Exploration Tasks

You will work directly with a humanoid robot platform and support the development of control and interaction concepts in exploration-relevant scenarios.

Your activities will include:

• Programming locomotion and balance behaviours for humanoid robots on uneven terrain;
• Developing strategies for robot operation under constrained conditions (e.g. extreme lighting at the lunar south pole);
• Exploring XR-based teleoperation and supervisory control, enabling intuitive interfaces for astronauts and operators;
• Exploring how AI techniques such as reinforcement learning, imitation learning, and predictive models can be applied to locomotion, teleoperation, and human–robot interaction;
• Investigating predictive simulation and state estimation approaches to mitigate the effects of comms latency in off-Earth teleoperation;
• Contributing to methods for human–robot interaction in shared tasks, including safety and usability considerations, using AI and traditional approaches;
• Supporting simulation, benchmarking, and hardware validation of behaviours and interaction methods.

Learning objectives:

• Gain experience in humanoid robotics hardware, locomotion, and control stacks;
• Understand the challenges of XR-based teleoperation with comms latency in off-Earth contexts;
• Learn how to combine AI methods and predictive simulation for robust autonomy and remote operation;
• Develop insight into human–robot teaming and interaction design for exploration scenarios.

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

You must be a university student, preferably studying at master’s level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

Essential background and skills:

• Studies in robotics, computer science, mechatronics, AI, or a related engineering field;
• Programming experience in current programming frameworks such as Python and C++;
• Understanding of control principles, algorithms, and 3D mathematics;
• Interest in humanoid robotics, teleoperation, and human–robot interaction;
• Experience with Git and collaborative coding.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with XR environments (VR/AR/MR) and their application to teleoperation;
• Experience with simulation environments (Isaac Sim, Omniverse, Gazebo, MuJoCo, or similar);
• Exposure to reinforcement learning, imitation learning, or predictive simulation approaches;
• Curiosity about space robotics, comms latency challenges, and immersive control concepts.

We are looking for a motivated intern who can apply both robotics fundamentals and creative approaches to XR-based teleoperation, human–robot interaction, and AI-supported control, helping us explore how humanoid robots can best support future off-Earth missions.