Product Design & HRI Engineer, Robotics Hardware
Job description
About the role
At Field Ai, we are dedicated to developing advanced AI systems that empower robots to navigate and function effectively in intricate, real-world scenarios. This position is centered on enhancing the physical and sensory characteristics of our robotic platforms, merging industrial design with human-robot interaction to craft machines that are not only functional but also intuitive and engaging for users.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Establish the visual and tactile characteristics of our robotic systems, focusing on elements such as shape, color, materials, and finishes to create a cohesive design language.
- Choose and implement display technologies, lighting solutions, and audio systems to ensure effective communication between the robot and its surroundings.
- Work closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to navigate size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints while maintaining the robustness of the hardware.
- Create scripts to assess and validate the performance of displays, connectivity, and boot-up processes, ensuring reliability in various operational contexts.
- Connect user interface and user experience (UI/UX) concepts with the physical hardware to guarantee that the robot's movements and behaviors meet user expectations.
- Analyze acoustic performance and visual clarity in diverse environments, including industrial settings and public spaces, to optimize user interaction.
- Participate in design reviews and brainstorming sessions to contribute innovative ideas and solutions for enhancing robot functionality and user experience.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to iterate on design concepts based on user feedback and testing results, ensuring continuous improvement of the product.
Requirements
- A Bachelor's or Master's degree, or equivalent experience, in fields such as Human-Robot Interaction, Electrical Engineering, or Industrial Design.
- A minimum of three years of practical experience in product design, audio-visual systems, or robotics, demonstrating a solid understanding of the field.
- Strong skills in selecting and specifying components such as displays, speakers, microphones, and lighting systems for optimal performance.
- Proven experience in managing trade-offs related to size, weight, and power during the integration of electromechanical systems.
- Proficiency in scripting for hardware validation and connectivity testing, showcasing technical expertise in this area.
- Familiarity with CAD software tools like Solidworks, Fusion, or NX for designing and modeling hardware components.
- Experience with programming languages such as Python, enabling effective development and testing of hardware functionalities.
- A solid grasp of human-robot interaction principles, including multimodal interaction techniques and the creation of expressive robot behaviors.
Nice to have
- Comprehensive experience in industrial design, covering aspects such as color, material, and finish (CMF), sketching, and prototyping for consumer or wearable technology.
- A background in conducting user research specifically focused on robotic interfaces, contributing valuable insights to the design process.
- Proficiency in animation software such as Blender or Maya, which can enhance character-driven design elements in robotic systems.
- Knowledge of functional safety standards and regulatory compliance, including CE, FCC, or UL, ensuring that designs meet necessary safety requirements.
- Experience in transitioning hardware from the prototype phase to mass production with contract manufacturers, facilitating a smooth production process.
Skills & tools
- Proficient in CAD software (Solidworks, Fusion, NX)
- Skilled in Python programming
- Expertise in Industrial Design (CMF)
- Knowledgeable in AV Hardware Integration
- Experienced in SWaP Optimization
- Competent in Firmware Validation
- Understanding of HRI/HMI Principles
Practical notes
We welcome applications from candidates at various stages in their careers, including mid-level, senior, and staff positions. This flexibility allows us to find the right fit for our team and the exciting challenges we face in the development of innovative robotic solutions. Join us at Field Ai, where your contributions will help shape the future of human-robot interaction and design.
About the company
Field AI is transforming how robots interact with the real world. We are building risk-aware, dependable, and field-ready AI systems that address the most complex challenges in robotics, unlocking the full potential of embodied intelligence.