Master Thesis Spring 2026 - Industrial Design - Several topics

Do you want to help us speed up the shift towards a more sustainable mining and construction industry? By doing your thesis in collaboration with Epiroc you will get the chance to be a part of this journey. 

You will work together with experienced and helpful colleagues in an atmosphere characterized by creativity, innovation, and workplace diversity. In your specific project you have the chance to be a part of a challenging and educational experience while growing both professionally and personally.

We offer several project topics within Industrial Design – find your thesis project below!

Functional area: Industrial Design Department

Recruiting manager: Bengt Parkedal, Global Manager Industrial Design

Phone: +46(0) 720 832 632

Email: bengt.parkedal@epiroc.com

Education background:

See requirements for each project topic.

Level of thesis project:

Master Thesis.

Number of students in the project:

One or two students/project.

Available thesis topics:

1. Automation and Human Interfaces
Target:

Explore how humans can best interact with automated solutions for Epiroc mining equipment.

Background:

The demand for raw materials is increasing due to energy transition and global development.

Automation is key to meeting these demands while improving safety and efficiency in

underground mines. However, current systems still require human supervision. This project

investigates what challenges we might face while interacting with an imperfect automation system

and how humans can control (and collaborate with) automated systems of the future.

Mission:
Explore and provide concepts and proposals for intuitive and efficient human-machine interaction design. Usability is the core focus, aiming to improve how operators control and collaborate with automated systems.

Qualifications:

• Interest in usability, human-machine-interface (HMI), and automation
• Education background in industrial design, UX/UI, or similar
• Technological curiosity
• Include a project pitch and personal portfolio in your application

Contact:

Harikrishnan Gopalakrishnan

harikrishnan.gopalakrishnan@epiroc.com

+46(0) 73 507 2488

2. Autonomous Mine – Zero Humans

Target:

Explore the future solutions for a fully self-sufficient mine with no human presence underground.

Background:
The demand for minerals is rising rapidly alongside global population growth. As mines become deeper and more remote, automation offers a way to improve safety, productivity, and cost-efficiency - reducing the need for human presence in hazardous locations while improving resource management, environmental monitoring and scalability. This project explores what a fully autonomous mine could look like, including the infrastructure and support systems needed to reshape the industry.

Mission:
Explore and provide concepts for a fully automated mine, focusing on supporting functions like power, water, and air supply. Consider how drilling, mucking, and ore transport might evolve to support full automatization of the mine.

Qualifications:

• Interest in automation and conceptual design, focusing on support systems currently handled manually
• Education background in industrial design or similar
• Include a project pitch and personal portfolio in your application

Contact:

Daniel Sellberg

daniel.sellberg@epiroc.com

+46725357339

3. Future Logistics and Infrastructure Solutions for Electrification at Mining and/or Construction Sites

Target:

Explore future concepts for logistics and infrastructure solutions to support electrification at mining and/or construction sites.

Background:
The shift from fossil fuels to electric machinery in mining operations improves global sustainability and people health and safety. At the same time it comes with challenges such as charging logistics and changes to infrastructure. This project addresses how to manage these transitions effectively.

Mission:
Explore and develop concepts for electrical logistics and infrastructure in mines or at construction sites aligned with Epiroc’s offerings. Consider charging strategies, energy sources, and design implications.

Qualifications:

• Interest in future solutions and technology
• Education background in industrial design or similar (not engineering)
• Include a project pitch and personal portfolio in your application

Contact:

Anders Sandström

anders.sandstrom@epiroc.com

+46766981712

4. Future User Interface for Remote Controlling Mining Equipment

Target:
Investigate possibilities for improving the operator interface for remote control of mining equipment.

Background:
Mines are perhaps one of the most hazardous and inhospitable work environments. The demand for remote operation is increasing since it enhances safety and reduces infrastructure costs. But it comes with challenges considering productivity and efficiency, and current 2D screen-based interfaces limit situational awareness and control precision. This project addresses how to overcome these limitations through better interface design.

Mission:
Explore and propose future user interface concepts for remote controlling of mining equipment. Focus on overcoming the today obstacles of remote control using a 2D screen.

Qualifications:

• Interest in human-machine-interface (HMI), UI/UX, visualization technology, and 3D real-time visualization
• Education background in industrial design, UX/UI design/programming, visual technology, or similar
• Include a project pitch and personal portfolio in your application

Contact:

Harikrishnan Gopalakrishnan

harikrishnan.gopalakrishnan@epiroc.com

+46(0) 73 507 2488

Björn Syse

bjorn.syse@external.epiroc.com

+46706281244

5. Space Mining

Target:
Explore how mineral exploration, complex mining operations, and maintenance can be conducted in a place so far from home, in an environment so alien to us – space.

Background:
In the constant strive for renewable energy resources, the demand for rare earth elements and noble metals is growing. Instead of exploiting Earth’s last untouched areas, what if we turn to the stars? This project explores and conceptualizes how mineral exploration and extraction could be conducted in space.

Mission:
Explore and provide concepts and proposals for mining in space: Where to extract minerals; on asteroids? Comets? Planets? Moons? Elsewhere? How to extract minerals? Consider environmental, logistical, and technological challenges, and whether to transport them to Earth or process them in space.

Qualifications:

• Interest in exploring innovative conceptualization of space mining
• Education background in industrial design or similar (not engineering design)
• Open-mindedness and curiosity about space environments
• Include a project pitch and personal portfolio in your application

Contact:

Anders Sandström

anders.sandstrom@epiroc.com

+46766981712

How to apply:

Does this sound interesting, and do you feel that you are a match?

Submit your application by logging in to our career site. If you are new to the system, you need to start by creating a profile. Do not forget to attach your CV and a short letter about yourself, describing which thesis topic you are interested in and why you are applying for this thesis. In your application you shall attach a pitch of how you plan to solve the project. We also expect a personal portfolio of what you have achieved so far in your career.

In this process, we review applications continuously and the project can be filled before last day of application. We recommend sending your application as soon as possible, but no later than November 30. Please note that we do not accept applications via email.