Human-Centric Digital Twin Ecosystems for smart environments
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
