Master Thesis – Re-think low lifters

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 
Low lifting forklifts have been a reliable workhorse in warehouses for decades, with most models on the market offering only marginal differences between competitors. This creates an exciting opportunity to radically rethink the concept and explore how the low lifter could be transformed into a next-generation product that disrupts the market. 

In this thesis, you will analyse design choices, drive patterns and use cases for low lifters, and then challenge conventional thinking. By reimagining key elements such as wheel placement, vehicle shape, fork design, system architecture and driving position, your task is to propose innovative directions for how the low lifter can evolve to meet future demands. 

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.

Thesis Objectives 
The main objectives of the thesis are to: 

• Investigate current drive patterns and use cases for low lifting forklifts. 
• Analyse today’s design principles to identify limitations and opportunities. 
• Explore alternative design concepts for key components, such as wheel placement, fork design, system architecture and operator position. 
• Develop and propose optimised concepts that challenge the traditional low lifter design and have the potential to disrupt the market. 

Your Profile 
We are looking for: 

• One or two Master’s students in with background in product development, mechanics or a related field. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• An interest in vehicle design, ergonomics and innovation. 

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. 
• Guidance 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 Jonas Klang, Program Manager Innovation at jonas.klang@toyota-industries.eu.

For questions about the recruitment process, please contact Victoria Östryd Söderlind; victoria.ostrydsoderlind@toyota-industries.eu

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