The EngD in Robotics prepares you for the rapidly evolving world of intelligent and autonomous systems. As robotics becomes increasingly embedded in industry, healthcare, infrastructure and daily life, there is a growing need for professionals who can design reliable, safe and integrated robotic solutions.
This programme helps you become that professional: a technological designer who combines mechanical engineering, control, software and artificial intelligence into well-functioning robotic systems. You learn to translate complex technical and societal challenges into innovative, real-world applications that operate safely and effectively in dynamic environments.
What is the programme all about?
New robotic systems are continuously being developed to address societal and industrial challenges. Social robots support the ageing population. Inspection robots monitor underground cables and pipelines. Drones perform close-up inspections of wind turbines. Advanced robotic systems help to identify and separate complex waste streams.
All these solutions integrate human interaction, software, mechanical design, sensing and AI into one complex system. The EngD in Robotics prepares you to become a technological designer who integrates state-of-the-art technologies into safe and reliable robotic systems.
As a trainee, you work on practical robotic innovations or on implementing the latest scientific developments in real-world applications.
The programme consists of three main components:
- Mandatory courses
- Elective courses
- Professional development & self-regulated courses
The design project starts at the beginning of the EngD period, and your courses are aligned with the needs of the project and your own interests.
How is the programme structured and what will you learn?
You follow a coherent set of core and elective courses alongside your two-year industry design project. A minimum of 48 ECTS credits in educational activities is required.
You can follow core and elective courses in areas such as systems design, artificial intelligence, mechatronics, dynamics of robotic systems, robotic-based automation, and vision systems. The exact mix of courses is aligned to your project and your interests.
Mandatory courses (post-master level and professional development, 22.5 EC)
- Systems Design and Engineering (12 EC)
Plus, choose one of the following courses:
- Automated Production Systems
- Design Principles for Precision Mechanics for EngD
- Industrial Robotics Systems
- Modelling and Simulation
- Modelling, Dynamics, and Kinematics for EngD
- System Identification with Parameter Estimation and Machine Learning
Elective and self-regulated courses
Tailor your electives to your project. Examples include topics such as human-robot interaction, machine learning, multibody dynamics, robot perception or a custom Capita Selecta.
What kind of candidate fits this programme?
This programme attracts ambitious MSc graduates from master's programs with a mechanical, design, electronics, software or robotics focus. They choose the EngD programme to deepen and broaden their expertise, and to apply their knowledge in meaningful, real-world design projects. What unites our trainees is a drive to design innovative and practical solutions to complex technological challenges. You are analytical, communicative and eager to work in multidisciplinary teams. You take initiative and enjoy taking ownership of a design project with real-world impact.
The programme is also open to professionals employed by a company. Our Engineering programmes offer a streamlined enrolment route for employees with a relevant academic background who want to deepen their expertise while working. These candidates are motivated to address complex technological design challenges within their organisation and seek advanced methods and structured approaches to develop effective, implementable solutions.
What can you do after completing the EngD in Robotics?
After completing this programme, you will be able to translate stakeholder needs into innovative robotic concepts and design robust, future-oriented systems. You will have the tools to analyse complex technical requirements and integrate mechanical, software and AI components into safe and reliable robotic solutions.
Many graduates continue their careers in industry, taking on roles as robotics engineers, system designers or innovation specialists. Others move into applied research or leadership positions in technology-driven organisations.
