Intern in the Software & AI Division, AI Lab

Our team and mission

The Software and Artificial Intelligence Team drives innovation in HRE projects and initiatives across diverse exploration destinations such as LEO, the Moon, Mars, and Earth analogues. As a central hub for software innovation, the team collaborates with internal and external tech experts to highlight the crucial role of advanced software in exploration. The team is structured around four core pillars: AI, XR, IoT, and Quantum technologies, with data serving as a foundational element throughout. This comprehensive approach ensures the effective integration of state-of-the-art technologies, positioning the team at the forefront of exploration advancements. You can find out more about the work we do in AI here: The power of AI in space exploration – ESA – Exploration

Our activities span robotic autonomy, simulation-based design, AI-supported decision-making, and immersive control concepts for human-robot collaboration.

This internship addresses robotic locomotion for exploration using AI, with a focus on how different mobility systems (wheeled rovers, legged robots, hybrid systems or humanoid robots etc...) perform under lunar conditions and other planetary exploration. The work explores simulation-driven comparisons across terrains such as flat regolith, steep inclines, and lava tubes, with attention to safety, energy efficiency, and stability.

The project contributes to ESA’s efforts to combine simulation, AI, and robotics to guide future choices for robotic mobility in extreme environments, strengthening Europe’s expertise in mission design and human–robot teaming for exploration.

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

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Optimisation for Robotic Mobility using AI in Space Exploration

You will work with advanced robotic platforms, including humanoids, and support the development of control and interaction concepts in exploration-relevant scenarios.

Your activities will include:

• Designing and running AI-based simulations to evaluate mobility systems such as rovers, legged robots, and hybrid platforms;
• Developing methods to benchmark locomotion performance across different terrains, including regolith plains, slopes, and confined environments such as lava tubes;
• Defining and applying performance metrics such as energy efficiency, stability, terrain adaptability, and safety;
• Applying AI and optimisation techniques (e.g. reinforcement learning and evolutionary algorithms) to adapt locomotion strategies to varying surface conditions;
• Supporting the development of comparative analysis tools and visualisations to make results interpretable for mission design decisions;
• Contributing to the integration of AI-enabled simulations into the design of exploration systems and operations.

Learning objectives:

• Gain hands-on experience with AI techniques for robotic locomotion and simulation;
• Develop a deeper understanding of how terrain characteristics and other mission constraints affect mobility system design;
• Learn how to translate simulation data into performance metrics relevant for exploration missions;
• Strengthen skills in robotics, AI modelling, and data-driven decision-making.

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 computer science, AI, or related engineering/scientific fields;
• Programming experience in languages such as Python or C++;
• Knowledge of Nvidia Omniverse;
• Familiarity with AI or machine learning techniques applied to simulation, control, or optimisation problems;
• Understanding of fundamental robotics principles such as kinematics, dynamics, or locomotion;
• Ability to analyse and interpret performance data;
• Experience with Git and collaborative coding.

Desirable:

• Experience with reinforcement learning, evolutionary algorithms, or simulation frameworks (MuJoCo, Isaac Sim, Gazebo, UE5x, or similar);
• Familiarity with robotic locomotion strategies (wheeled, legged, or hybrid systems);
• Strong interest in AI, space robotics or extreme environments;
• Curiosity for comparative analysis of design trade-offs in exploration systems.

We are looking for a motivated intern who enjoys combining AI techniques, robotics knowledge, and creative problem-solving to help evaluate how different robotic locomotion systems can best support future exploration of the Moon and other planetary bodies using AI.