Master Thesis – Robust onboard communication

In Toyota Material Handling Europe, we are over 13,500 colleagues passionate about supporting companies of all sizes with todays and tomorrow’s material handling challenges. Because we know that our business and our industry are essential and sometimes even critical for you, for daily life and society at large.     

In a rapidly growing high-tech industry in fast transformation, Toyota Material Handling Europe is stable, global and influential. We are committed to continuous improvement and innovation and we aim to strengthen our capabilities as a learning organisation. 

About the Thesis

Forklifts are becoming increasingly advanced, integrating more systems to reduce power consumption, support operators with challenging tasks and semi-automate simple operations. Many of these functions rely on sensors and actuators located far from the central processing unit, which makes reliable onboard communication critical.

This thesis gives you the opportunity to explore and design a robust communication solution for data transmission between devices, sensors and the processing unit. You will investigate alternatives to conventional cabling across moving forks and extendable masts, as well as evaluate innovative options such as wireless systems, fibre optics or concepts inspired by Power over Ethernet (PoE). A key part of the challenge is to ensure that any proposed solution also meets strict EMC

You will be based at our Innovation Centre in Vallastaden, Linköping, just a five-minute walk from the university. The Centre offers a dedicated student area where you can collaborate with other Master’s students, exchange ideas with our engineers and play an active role in the daily dynamics of innovation. You will also have the opportunity to visit our factory and laboratories in Mjölby, gaining close insight into our core operations. requirements.

Thesis Objectives

The main objectives of the thesis are to:

• Analyse the limitations and challenges of traditional cabling in forklift applications.
• Investigate and compare alternative solutions such as wireless and fibre optic communication.
• Assess the feasibility of using power cables for data transmission, including PoE-inspired concepts.
• Develop and evaluate a communication concept that fulfils EMC standards and can be applied in future forklift designs.

Your Contribution

As a thesis student, you will:

• Explore and compare different technical solutions for onboard communication.
• Analyse robustness, feasibility and scalability in a demanding industrial context.
• Propose and evaluate a communication concept that could be implemented in future forklift models.

Your Profile

We are looking for:

• One or two Master’s students in with background in product development, mechanics, electronics, software or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Interest in communication technologies and applied engineering challenges.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to conduct your thesis within a global leader in material handling solutions.
• Access to experts and resources in a dynamic R&D environment.
• Support and mentorship throughout the thesis process.
• Compensation according to Toyota Material Handling Europe’s policy for thesis students.

Practical Information

• Start date: January 2026
• Duration: Typically, 20 weeks, aligned with your programme. (30hp)
• Location: Linköping / Mjölby, Sweden (Innovation Centre with option for remote work)

Your Application

Send your application as soon as possible and no later than November 6th, 2025. We review applications continuously, so don’t wait to apply. We’re not looking for perfect. We’re looking for curious, courageous, creative minds who want to MOVE the World with us.

Applications should include:

• CV
• A short personal letter
• Transcript of records

For more information about this thesis topic, please contact Jesper Andersson, Innovation software engineer at Jesper.Andersson@toyota-industries.eu.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Victoria Östryd Söderlind Recruitment Specialist, victoria.ostrydsoderlind@toyota-industries.eu

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