Cambridge Internship Program - Robotics Hardware Design

Job Description

Overview

Drive innovation at Microsoft Research Cambridge by joining a world-class team pioneering breakthroughs in robotics and AI infrastructure. Collaborate across disciplines to develop impactful solutions for datacenter automation and next-generation intelligent systems. Work alongside leading experts, leverage state-of-the-art technology, and contribute to projects that shape the future of computing. This is a unique opportunity to accelerate your career, expand your skills, and make a tangible impact at Microsoft and beyond in a dynamic, intellectually stimulating environment where your ideas drive real-world change.

Start Date: March 2026
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: Cambridge, UK

Responsibilities

• Lead and collaborate on innovative robotics research projects, designing, prototyping, and validating new algorithms and control strategies.

• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team to address both fundamental and applied research challenges.

• Plan, design, and execute experiments to test and validate prototypes in simulation and real-world scenarios.

• Join a vibrant, mentor-guided research community for a 12-week internship, collaborating with fellow interns and leading researchers.

• Gain hands-on experience, present your work, and expand your professional network while making a real impact at Microsoft Research.

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD degree (or on-track to complete) in Robotics, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.

• Demonstrated expertise in robotic manipulation, with a focus on gripper/end-effector design for deformable objects of varying geometries.

• Hands-on experience in CAD design, mechanical prototyping, and simulation of robotic end-effectors.

• Experience programming robots and developing control algorithms for adaptive gripping and compliance.

• Ability to thrive in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred/Additional Qualifications:

• Experience with force-torque sensors, tactile arrays, or compliance control in robotic grippers.

• Experience with programming languages such as Python for simulation development or integration.

• Strong publication record in top robotics venues (e.g., ICRA, RA-L, IROS).

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.