Palletising Gantry Robot with AI Vision
Engineering, IT, Mathematics and Statistics
ABOUT THE INDUSTRY PARTNER
Corptek are an innovative Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) startup built on a solid foundation of extensive engineering experience. This new venture leverages deep technical expertise to disrupt the local automation sector by developing accessible, cost-effective robotic solutions for SMEs.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
- Hands-on Prototyping: Gain practical experience building a functional 3-axis gantry palletizer from the ground up using locally sourced(as much as possible), standard components.
- Mastering DFM: Learn the crucial commercial skill of Design for Manufacturability by solving complex engineering challenges using only accessible, off-the-shelf hardware.
- Portfolio-Building Project: Graduate with a major, demonstrable automation project that proves your ability to build industrial-grade control systems from scratch.
- Startup Environment: Work in a fast-paced, agile environment where your creative problem-solving directly drives the business’s go-to-market strategy.
- Disruptive Innovation: Help democratize automation for small-to-medium enterprises, proving that top-tier robotics don’t have to be imported or overpriced.
RESEARCH TO BE CONDUCTED
The core research involves designing and validating a 3-axis gantry palletizing system constructed entirely from Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) mechanical and electrical components. The primary objective is to prove that accessible parts (such as standard aluminum extrusions, linear rails, and widely available motors) can achieve the industrial-level reliability and load capacity required for repetitive end-of-line box palletization.
The student will research and develop the kinematic models, evaluate structural deflection under dynamic loads, and select an open-source or highly accessible control architecture. A significant portion of the research will focus on modularity and system integration, ensuring the gantry can be rapidly deployed, easily transported, and maintained with minimal downtime. Ultimately, the research aims to balance strict technical performance—such as cycle times, positioning accuracy, and payload capacities—with the commercial necessity of maintaining a low Bill of Materials (BOM) to support a highly scalable Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) business model.
SKILLS WISH LIST
If you’re a postgraduate research student and meet some or all the below we want to hear from you. We strongly encourage women, indigenous and disadvantaged candidates to apply:
- Strong understanding of mechanical design, kinematics, and load distribution.
- Experience with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360) for 3D modeling and structural analysis.
- Familiarity with specifying and sourcing electromechanical drive components (steppers, servos, linear actuators).
- Knowledge of basic electronic control systems, open-source robot controllers, or PLCs.
- Ability to balance cost, part availability, and technical performance in component selection.
- Willingness to take a leading role in hands-on fabrication, assembly, and system debugging.
- Someone who is able to research as well as apply their knowledge with hands on work. This might involve using a soldering iron, tools – screwdriver & socket set.
RESEARCH OUTCOMES
- Functional Physical Prototype: A working, modular 3-axis gantry robot prototype capable of automating standard box palletization tasks, constructed exclusively from readily available, common mechanical and electrical components.
- DFM and Sourcing Report: A comprehensive “Design for Manufacturability” document detailing the complete Bill of Materials (BOM), local Australian supplier sourcing strategies, and assembly instructions designed to facilitate rapid scaling of a RaaS fleet.
- Control Software & Documentation: A documented, open-architecture control software suite including kinematic routines, multi-axis coordination parameters, and operation guidelines required to run the robot efficiently without relying on expensive, proprietary software licenses.
- Technical Validation & Safety Assessment: A technical report detailing stress testing under continuous load, a recommended preventative maintenance schedule, and a workplace safety outline highlighting how the system effectively mitigates the ergonomic hazards of manual heavy lifting.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
The intern will receive $3,300 per month of the internship, usually in the form of scholarship payments.
It is expected that the intern will primarily undertake this research project during regular business hours and maintain contact with their academic mentor throughout the internship either through face-to-face or phone meetings as appropriate.
The intern and their academic mentor will have the opportunity to negotiate the project’s scope, milestones and timeline during the project planning stage.
Please note, applications are reviewed regularly and this internship may be filled prior to the advertised closing date if a suitable applicant is identified. Early submissions are encouraged.
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