Collaborative Human-Mobile Robot Operations for Next-Generation Supply Chain Systems
University of Missouri-Columbia·Passau, Lower Bavaria·2026 cycle
Closed for cycleComputational/Data ScienceBiomedical✓ verified
This international research opportunity offers a unique chance for students to work at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, and next generation supply chain systems. Participants will contribute to research on collaborative human-mobile robot operations, an emerging area that supports smart manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and e-commerce. The program prepares students for careers in operations research, data analytics, machine learning, automation, and other high-demand fields. Students will join a 10 week training and research experience led by faculty from the University of Missouri and the University of Passau in Germany. The program begins with a virtual orientation and technical bootcamp that introduces the core concepts required for collaborative human-mobile robot research. Students will then spend 7 weeks in Germany conducting use-inspired research with faculty mentors and firms that deploy autonomous mobile robots. Key focus areas include: Collaborative human-mobile robot operations in modern supply chains Path planning and AMR coordination for dynamic environments Optimization and modeling for operational decisions AI-based algorithms and data driven methods for applied automation Exposure to German innovations in smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 Students will gain experience in: Cross cultural international research practices Professional engagement with academic mentors Algorithm development for real world supply chain problems Technical communication and preparation of research deliverables Career pathways in robotics, analytics, and operations research Participants will return to the United States during the final week to complete project reports and research products with their mentors. Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Collaborative automation, human mobile robot operations, autonomous mobile robots, mobile collaborative robots, AMR fleet management, robotics, industrial engineering, operations research, supply chain systems, warehouse automation, cyber physical systems, AI driven operations, machine learning, optimization, digital twins, human robot collaboration, intralogistics, smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0, human centered automation, international research, Germany research program, IRES program, STEM research training
The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at U.S. institutions. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents. Students should show strong academic performance and interest in fields related to collaborative automation, robotics, operations research, computer science, industrial engineering, or supply chain systems. Prior research experience is preferred but not required. Preference will be given to students pursuing fields aligned with collaborative automation and supply chain systems, including industrial engineering, systems engineering, computer science, data science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, and related domains that contribute to human-mobile robot collaboration. Participants must commit to the full 10 week program, which includes a virtual bootcamp and seven weeks of research in Germany.