Co-op: Robotic Test System Developer

Robotic test system developer: This student will work under our lead test engineer to expand our testing capabilities. They will assess and improve our existing test functions and develop new test functions for existing robotic test systems. These systems involve motors, force sensors, encoders and -of course- electro adhesives. This student may also help bring new test systems online. Each new custom clutch design brings with it new performance requirements. And for each new requirement, ESTAT needs a method – usually a robotic test system – to verify that requirement is satisfied. A few examples of systems designed by previous co-op students include: (1) automated rotary test stands, capable of a range of speeds and torques, which evaluate performance characteristics like slipping torque, holding torque, and response times; (2) a high-speed stand, capable of rotating at speeds of up to ~5000 rpm; and (3) an automated tensile tester, capable of autonomous operation. This student will contribute to ESTAT’s success by helping us demonstrate to our customers that our products meet or exceed their expectations.

This student will also support the Lightweight Electroadhesive ExoTendon system for fighter pilot neck protection (more information here )

Skills that will be utilized and developed during this co-op : Electromechanical design, iterative prototyping, creative problem solving, CAD, physical testing, sensor calibration, PID control, Embedded C, Python, Matlab, SQL, debugging, documentation, presentation skills and more.

Experience programming in Python and embedded C required. Experience controlling motors and taking in sensor data preferred.

ESTAT has a strong preference for students looking for two 6 month rotations. No one comes to ESTAT with experience in electroadhesives. This is the best way to ensure students have a chance to learn and contribute meaningfully.

FAQ

What does a day at ESTAT look like?

It is easier to talk about what a week looks like. Every Monday, leadership agrees on priorities for the week and discusses upcoming milestones with the team. Each team member loads up their schedule for the week with the tasks needed to meet those milestones and discusses the support they need from other team mates. We hold Scrum where we all get on the same page on what is happening this week, take feedback, and make adjustments. The rest of the week is execution. Wednesdays are typically one-on-one meetings with managers where we discuss 1) progress towards weekly goals 2) present progress metrics 3) Discuss roadblocks 4) review the schedule for major projects that span more than a week. On Friday we have a quick team touch base where we all state what critical items need to be completed to stay on schedule and enjoy the weekend without worry. Throughout the week you may: test the newest electroadhesive clutch, assist with patent drafting, machine parts in our machine shop, perform statistical analysis, program a robotic test stand, perform test-to-failure, visit a supplier’s factory, draft CAD models, perform FEA, represent the company at a major conference, or sometimes even visit an Air Force Base for acceleration sled testing (January 2025).

What does ESTAT look for in co-op students?

We believe our heart is in our work and passion is in the details. We look for self motivated students who love making things happen. We look for students with experience working with a team towards a goal who can share stories of trial and error, failure and victory. Working on the cutting edge also requires a good bit of technical know how. We expect our students to have mastered the basics of their field and be ready to learn more on the job. We have three company mantras: 1) we tell it as it is, not as we wish it to be 2) we let the data do the talking and drive our decisions with facts 3) we give credit and share blame. We look for these behaviors in all of our staff.

What kind of company is ESTAT?

ESTAT is a university startup that spun out of Carnegie Mellon right here in Pittsburgh. We have translated basic research on electroadhesives into useful robotics components such as clutches, brakes, locks and latches that are 10x lighter, 10x more compact and 1000x more efficient than traditional options. Our products promise to redefine what is possible in robotic design. We are at our hockey stick moment. This is an extremely exciting time for us as a company as we have been offering off-the-shelf products for sale for over a year and have recently started making sales in large enough volumes to allow us to transition some of our manufacturing to scaled processes. At ESTAT we sell: catalog electroadhesive clutches and brakes, custom clutches and brakes, and R&D services for large companies and the government. We move at a fast pace as sales ramp up and innovation continues.