AI Robotics Researcher Intern (Mechanical Design… at NIO · San Jose-

Summary: NIO is a pioneering company in the premium smart electric vehicle market, focusing on innovative technologies. They are seeking a Mechanical Design Intern to contribute to the development of tactile-sensing hand gloves for robotic training, emphasizing mechanical architecture and sensor integration. Responsibilities: - Design and prototype wearable components for a hand glove integrated with multi-modal tactile sensors to capture pressure, shear, and vibration - Integrate specialized sensing technologies—such as Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG), capacitive arrays, or half-ring fingertip sensors—into flexible, wearable form factors - Utilize soft materials and ergonomic structures to ensure the glove provides high comfort and minimal resistance to natural hand motion - Collaborate with AI researchers to optimize hardware parameters for imitation learning applications Required Qualifications: - Master's or Ph.D. in Robotics, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or related fields - Proficiency in 3D modeling and rapid prototyping techniques for wearable devices - Hands-on experience with sensor integration, data acquisition, and microcontroller programming (e.g., C/C++, Python) - Strong understanding of the mechanics of materials, particularly flexible or biomimetic structures - Demonstrated ability to implement, experiment, and iterate on research ideas, including evaluating methods through empirical results on simulated or physical robotic systems - Strong analytical and system-building skills, with the ability to work across simulation, learning, perception, control, and real robot deployment as part of a larger technical team Preferred Qualifications: - Prior research in developing wearable tactile interfaces, or high-resolution fingertip sensors - Experience with imitation learning, processing human demonstration data for robotic control - A strong interest in building robust, real-world robotic systems, and motivation to see research ideas validated through physical experiments rather than simulation alone - Track record of publications in top AI or robotics conferences (CoRL, ICRA, IROS, RSS, NeurIPS, CVPR, ICML) Required Skills: Mechanical design, 3D modeling, Rapid prototyping, Sensor integration, Data acquisition, Microcontroller programming, C/C++, Python, Mechanics of materials, Flexible structures, Biomimetic structures, Robotics research, Imitation learning, Wearable tactile interfaces, Tactile sensors, Analytical skills, System-building skills Benefits: Discretionary bonus, Equity, Benefits