Research Intern: Motion Planning and Control for Marine Robotics - Honda Research Institute USA

Research Intern: Motion Planning and Control for Marine Robotics

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Research Intern: Motion Planning and Control for Marine Robotics

Job Number: P25INT-16
​Honda Research Institute USA (HRI-US) is seeking a motivated and innovative research intern to develop and validate motion planning and control algorithms for marine robots. Reponsibilities include implementing algorithms, verifying performance in simulation, and conducting on-water field testing. You will also have the opportunity to design learning-based control algorithms.
San Jose, CA

 

Key Responsibilities

 
  • Build classical motion planning and control modules (e.g., MPC) for trajectory tracking, path following, and station-keeping
  • Create and refine closed-loop simulations to evaluate robustness under wind, waves, and currents
  • Deploy to a full-scale test platform
  • Prototype reinforcement learning and other learning-based controllers

 

Minimum Qualifications

 
  • M.S. in Robotics or a related field (e.g., ME, EE, CS)
  • Solid understanding of classical motion planning & control, including Model Predictive Control (MPC)
  • Experience in ROS2
  • Proficiency in Python or C++

 

Bonus Qualifications​

  • ​Experience with motion planning/control for maritime robots or surface vessels
  • Hands-on experience with maritime simulation environments
  • Demonstrated ability to take algorithms beyond simulation. This includes field deployment or proof-of-concept
  • Experience with reinforcement learning or other learning-based control methods

 

Years of Work Experience Required  0
Desired Start Date 6/1/2026
Internship Duration 3 Months
Position Keywords ​Motion Planning; Control; Marine Robotics 

Alternate Way to Apply

Send an e-mail to careers@honda-ri.com with the following:
- Subject line including the job number(s) you are applying for 
- Recent CV 
- A cover letter highlighting relevant background (Optional)

Please, do not contact our office to inquiry about your application status.