applicant

Job Description

• Job Title: R&D Intern (Robotics, AI & Emerging Technologies)
• Position: R&D Intern
• Department: Research & Development
• Reporting To: Head of R&D – Dr. Tharindu Weerakoon (PhD, MSc (Kyutech, Japan) | BScEng (Peradeniya) | MIEEE | Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya)
• Locations: Kandy

Role Overview

The R&D Intern will join ANKA Technologies’ advanced research division, focusing on robotics, artificial intelligence, applied machine learning, deep learning, computer vision , intelligent systems and autonomous systems.

Interns will contribute to research studies, hands-on experimentation, prototype development, and the creation of technical publications. The role also includes opportunities to support education technology content, transforming research knowledge into lesson plans for school programs.

This internship provides a unique dual-exposure pathway in R&D innovation and STEM education delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• A. Research & Innovation
  • Conduct research on cutting-edge technologies in robotics, AI, IoT, and computational systems.
  • Support experiments and prototype development with robotic platforms such as humanoids, robotic arms, ROS-enabled robots, and embedded AI devices.
  • Perform literature reviews, benchmark studies, and technical documentation.
  • Develop simulation models (e.g., Webots, ROS2 & Gazebo simulations, YOLO, etc.)
  • Assist with writing research papers, whitepapers, and technical briefs for publication.
• B. Robotics & AI Application Development
  • Work with the team to design algorithms, train models, and test robotic behaviours.
  • Develop small software modules for automation, AI workflows, and robotics control systems.
  • Collaborate on internal R&D projects such as autonomous navigation, vision-based robotics, and generative AI applications.
• C. Education Technology Integration
  • Convert technical research into simplified lesson plans for school students (ages 8–16).
  • Develop STEM activity modules, robotics demonstrations, and hands-on classroom experiments.
  • Support workshops, training camps, and outreach programs conducted by ANKA Education.
• D. Development Opportunities (Optional)
  • Interns with programming and engineering aptitude may apply for part-time developer roles to support in-house software and robotics projects.

Skills & Qualifications

Required

• Undergraduate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, with a background of AI, Robotics, ICT, or related fields.
• Strong interest in research, robotics, AI and Computer Vision.
• Basic knowledge in one or more: Python, C++, Arduino, ROS/ROS2, CV, ML, electronics, or embedded systems.
• Familiarity with hardware platforms such as micro:bit, Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, or NVIDIA Jetson is an added advantage.
• Knowledge and experience working in Linux environments (optional, but an added benefit).
• Ability to learn fast and work independently or in teams.

Preferred

• Interns with programming and engineering aptitude may apply for part-time developer roles to support in-house software and robotics projects.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the internship, interns will gain:

• Hands-on experience in robotics, AI model development, and control systems
• Exposure to research methodology, technical writing, and publication standards
• Experience working under a senior researcher (Dr. Tharindu Weerakoon)
• Skill development in coding, engineering, AI, ROS, and hardware integration
• Classroom and EdTech lesson delivery experience
• Optional part-time project development opportunities
• Certificate and recommendation based on performance