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Internship AI Makerspace: CHARM – Character-Based Human-AI Robotic Movement

- Vacancy-

Internship AI Makerspace: CHARM – Character-Based Human-AI Robotic Movement (Negotiable)

Posted on May 14, 2026

Start Date: 01/09/2026

Duration: Negotiable

FTE: 1

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The project challenges the intern to bridge the gap between entertainment robotics and cutting-edge AI, creating a bipedal or wheeled robot capable of autonomous locomotion and rich emotional expression for human-facing interactive experiences. The intern will develop an integrated robotic system combining mechanical design, motion control, and affective computing to bring a character-driven robot to life.

About the opportunity

AI Makerspace is looking for a hands-on, self-starting Intern to join our team!

We are a small but ambitious R&D lab within the university working on cutting-edge projects in AI and linking with other domains. We need someone like you to work on some of our projects, while being linked with the Lab.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with advanced equipment like autonomous vehicles, robotic arms, and computer vision systems, while also contributing to developing groundbreaking solutions with our research projects. This is a relatively flexible opportunity which can be co-shaped with the student and can be a thesis assignment.

About the CHARM project

This internship project draws inspiration from Walt Disney Imagineering’s groundbreaking work on expressive, free-roaming animatronic robots, specifically replicating and advancing the capabilities demonstrated by their BDX droids and Olaf characters. The project challenges the intern to bridge the gap between entertainment robotics and cutting-edge AI, creating a bipedal or wheeled robot capable of autonomous locomotion and rich emotional expression for human-facing interactive experiences.

The intern will develop an integrated robotic system combining mechanical design, motion control, and affective computing to bring a character-driven robot to life. Inspired by Olaf’s playful, warm personality, the robot must convincingly express joy, surprise, curiosity, and empathy through coordinated facial mechanisms, body language, gestures, and voice synthesis. Unlike industrial robots, this platform prioritises emotional authenticity and safe, engaging human interaction above all else.

Working across hardware and software domains, the intern will implement real-time emotion recognition to respond dynamically to human cues, locomotion control for natural movement, and character animation principles borrowed from Disney’s legendary storytelling tradition. The project sits at a unique intersection of robotics engineering, AI, and theatrical performance.

This internship provides rare experience in entertainment robotics, affective AI, and character embodiment, skills highly valued across theme parks, hospitality, education, and social robotics industries. The intern will contribute to advancing human-robot emotional connection while developing expertise in one of robotics’ most creatively demanding frontiers.

Your responsibility

Your specific responsibilities will depend on your background, experience, and interests. Examples of key tasks include:

  • Hands-on development, working directly with cutting-edge technology.
  • Project contribution, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on applied AI initiatives.
  • Support and contribute to the AI makerspace environment.
  • Documentation, helping with document processes, workflows, and project outcomes.

What we offer

  • Financial compensation.
  • Support from experienced BUas researchers and engineers, providing mentorship and guidance.
  • A collaborative environment where you will support and learn.
  • An exciting workplace at the BUas campus with high-end hardware and software.

Qualification requirements

  • You must receive ECTS for doing an internship or a thesis project as part of your study programme.
  • You are enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s programme (WO, HBO, or equivalent).
  • Preferred backgrounds include, but are not limited to: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related technical field.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and hands-on technical abilities.
  • A self-starter mindset – comfortable working independently and taking initiative.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across diverse teams.
  • Enthusiasm for AI, robotics, and maker culture.

Practical details

Timeline: Available from September 2026 onwards (start/end dates negotiable)
Location: AI Makerspace / Cradle Lab, Breda University of Applied Sciences campus

How to apply?

Please send your CV and a brief motivation letter describing why you are excited about this opportunity to: Carlos Santos (santos.c@buas.nl)