This research develops human-centric Digital Twin ecosystems for Industry 5.0 by enabling adaptive interaction between humans, robots, and smart environments. The project integrates Human Digital Twins, AI/ML, XR, robotics, and motion tracking technologies to support safer and natural collaboration in manufacturing and beyond. Applications include cobots, drones, humanoids, healthcare, and assistive environments, with emphasis on adaptability, collaboration, and explainable human-aware systems.
About the position:
Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) is seeking a motivated full-time PhD student to contribute to research on Human-Centric Digital Twin Ecosystems for smart environments and Industry 5.0 systems. The project focuses on developing adaptive Digital Twin and Human Digital Twin technologies that improve collaboration between humans, robots, and intelligent environments in a safe, efficient, and human-centred way.
The research explores how Digital Twins can support real-time interaction between people, robotic systems, and smart infrastructures. Beyond monitoring users, the goal is to create adaptive systems capable of learning from human behaviour and adjusting robotic actions, workflows, and environments accordingly. Applications include collaborative robots, drones, mobile and humanoid systems, XR technologies, and smart environments in manufacturing, healthcare, and assistive domains.
The student will work with AI/ML, robotics, XR, IoT systems, motion capture, and simulation tools to develop intelligent and user-aware Digital Twin solutions. Particular focus will be placed on collaborative and multi-user environments where humans and robotic systems interact together dynamically. The research will also investigate explainable and long-term Human Digital Twins that adapt to user behaviour, support skill development, improve safety, and enable more natural human–robot interaction.
The position combines research, experimentation, and practical implementation. The student will contribute to software development, experimental validation, scientific publications, project activities, laboratory support, demonstrations, and selected teaching and supervision activities within an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
Responsibilities and (foreseen) tasks:
Research Activities
Conduct doctoral research in the field of Human Digital Twins, Digital Twins, robotics, and Industry 5.0 systems
Design, develop, and validate human-centric Digital Twin ecosystems
Develop software modules and experimental platforms integrating AI/ML, IoT, XR, robotics, and sensing technologies
Implement and evaluate motion tracking and human behaviour modelling methods
Support integration with manufacturing systems and industrial communication standards
Conduct experiments, collect and analyse data, and evaluate system performance using relevant KPIs
Contribute to the development of adaptive human–robot interaction solutions
Prepare scientific publications, conference papers, technical reports, and doctoral thesis materials
Present research results at international conferences, workshops, and seminars
Project and Laboratory Support
Support ongoing national and international research projects and project deliverables
Participate in collaboration activities with industrial and academic partners
Assist in laboratory management, maintenance, and development of research infrastructure
Support demonstration activities, pilot deployments, and validation scenarios
Contribute to proposal preparation and dissemination activities where applicable
Teaching and Academic Support
Assist in teaching activities related to robotics, automation, XR, digital twins, AI, or Industry 5.0
Support laboratory exercises, tutorials, and practical sessions
Mentor bachelor’s and master’s student projects where appropriate
Assist in preparing course materials, documentation, and demonstrations
Participate in outreach events, workshops, and academic dissemination activities
General Responsibilities
Work independently while contributing effectively within interdisciplinary teams
Maintain accurate documentation of research and experimental activities
Follow research ethics, safety regulations, and university procedures
Contribute actively to the scientific and academic environment of Tallinn University of Technology
Applicants should fulfil the following requirements:
Master’s degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
Programming skills (e.g., Python, C++, C#)
Background experience in at least one of the following: robotics, computer vision, human–robot interaction, XR, IoT systems, or manufacturing systems
Basic experience with sensor integration and data processing
Available to relocate in Tallinn, Estonia
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams
Excellent written and spoken English
The following experience is beneficial:
Familiarity with ROS/ROS2 and robotic platforms (e.g., manipulators, drones, mobile or humanoid robots)
Experience with motion tracking systems (e.g., VICON) or human motion analysis
Knowledge of simulation/XR tools (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine)
Exposure to Digital Twins, BIM, or cyber-physical systems
Background in manufacturing systems, production engineering, or Industry 4.0/5.0 architectures
Knowledge of ergonomic and cognitive load assessment methods (RULA, REBA, NASA-TLX)
Awareness of human-robot collaboration safety standards (ISO 10218, ISO/TS 15066)
We offer:
4-year fully funded Early Stage Researcher PhD position at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) with employee status and competitive monthly salary (at least 2300 euro per month)
University level benefits for sports, healthcare and recreation
Position hosted by the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, one of TalTech’s leading engineering departments focused on smart manufacturing, robotics, automation, digitalization, and Industry 4.0/5.0 technologies
Research conducted within the Smart Manufacturing / Smart Industry ecosystem with strong links to industrial digitalization, robotics, XR, Digital Twins, autonomous systems, and advanced manufacturing infrastructures
Access to IVAR Lab (Industrial Virtual and Augmented Reality Lab), specialized in Virtual and Augmented Reality, Digital Twins, smart workstations, industrial visualization, and human-centred industrial applications
Interdisciplinary and international research environment with collaboration opportunities involving academic partners, industrial companies, and European research projects
Availability of advanced research infrastructure including XR/VR systems, robotic platforms, smart manufacturing demonstrators, autonomous systems, Digital Twin environments, additive manufacturing facilities, and industrial prototyping laboratories
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge topics such as Human Digital Twins, AI-driven adaptive systems, collaborative robotics, explainable AI, smart environments, and Industry 5.0 human–robot interaction
Strong publication and research culture supported by internationally recognized researchers, active Horizon Europe and national projects, and access to modern laboratories and engineering facilities
Involvement in both research and academic activities, including scientific publications, conferences, laboratory development, demonstrations, teaching support, and supervision of student projects
Located at TalTech’s modern smart campus in Tallinn, Estonia, offering a highly international environment, close collaboration with technology companies, and strong links to innovation and applied industrial research
Supervisors:
Main supervisor: Researcher Simone Luca Pizzagalli: School of Engineering: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Co-Supervisor: Tenured Full Professor Tauno Otto: School of Engineering: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) is an international scientific community with approximately 9,000 students and 2,000 employees; it is one of the largest universities in Estonia, the leading EU country in digitalisation. The university's strengths are broad multidisciplinary study/research interests, a modern research environment, and strong collaboration with international educational and research institutions. TalTech is aiming to be an organisation leading the way to a sustainable digital future.
The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) focuses on smart manufacturing, robotics, automation, and Industry 4.0/5.0 technologies. The department combines engineering, digitalisation, AI, and human-centred technologies to support innovation in production systems and smart environments. Research is closely connected with industry and international collaborations, providing opportunities for interdisciplinary and applied research. The department hosts modern laboratories and infrastructures, including robotics, XR/VR, Digital Twin, and smart manufacturing facilities. Through initiatives such as the Smart Manufacturing Centre and IVAR Lab, researchers work on collaborative robotics, autonomous systems, industrial XR, and intelligent production technologies in an international research environment.
For information about the admission process, please visit the PhD Admission homepage
Applications can be submitted from 08.06.2026 to 08.07.2026
For further info, please contact:
Tenured Full Professor Tauno Otto or Researcher Simone Luca Pizzagalli
