At Toyota Research Institute (TRI), we’re on a mission to improve the quality of human life. We’re developing new tools and capabilities to amplify the human experience. To lead this transformative shift in mobility, we’ve built a world-class team in Energy & Materials, Human-Centered AI, Human-Interactive Driving, Large Behavior Models, and Robotics.
This is a Summer 2026 paid 12-week internship opportunity. Please note that this internship will be an in-office role in Cambridge, MA.
The Team
Our goal is to revolutionize the field of robotic manipulation, enabling long-horizon dexterous behaviors to be efficiently instructed, learned, and improved over time in diverse, real-world environments.
Our team has deep cross-functional expertise across simulation, perception, controls, and machine learning, and we measure our success in terms of fundamental capabilities development, as well as research impact via open-source software and publications. Our north star is fundamental technological advancement in building robots that can flexibly perform a wide variety of tasks in diverse environments with minimal human supervision. Join us and let’s make general-purpose robots a reality.
We operate a fleet of robots, and robot-embodied teaching and deployment is a key part of our strategy. Some of our ongoing work is highlighted here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeLpnTgzJT4
The Internship
We are seeking a Robotics Intern passionate about teleoperation, VR/AR, and spatial computing to help advance TRI’s next-generation humanoid teleoperation platform. You will design, implement, and test systems that enable humans to intuitively control robots through immersive interfaces, contributing to TRI’s mission of extending human capability through robotics. Working closely with cross-functional teams in mechanical design, perception, controls, and UX, you’ll develop real-time software prototypes that integrate robot hardware, motion capture, haptics, and 3D graphics—creating intuitive experiences that blend spatial computing with advanced robotic capabilities.
Your work will involve developing and refining VR/AR interfaces for robot control, building tools for 3D scene reconstruction and robot state awareness (e.g., point clouds, collision detection, and singularity visualization), and exploring techniques for motion retargeting, body tracking, and hand pose estimation. You’ll also have opportunities to run user studies, contribute to open-source codebases and research publications, and demonstrate prototypes that push the boundaries of human–robot interaction.
Qualifications
Currently pursuing a degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
Experience with Python, C++, or Swift for real-time or graphics programming, and familiarity with Git and UNIX/Linux systems
Familiarity with VR/AR/XR frameworks (Unity, Unreal, visionOS or equivalent) and spatial input systems.
Understanding of robot kinematics, motion capture, and teleoperation control principles.
Exposure to 3D perception and visualization (depth images, point clouds, or scene reconstruction).
Strong problem-solving and communication skills, with a willingness to collaborate and learn across disciplines.
Bonus Qualifications
Experience with motion retargeting for manipulation and locomotion control.
Familiarity with Apple development systems and frameworks, such as SwiftUI, RealityKit, ARKit, and Xcode.
Background in UX design for immersive or robotics systems.
Experience with ROS, Isaac Sim, or similar simulation tools.
Knowledge of tactile sensing, force feedback, or haptic interfaces.
Interest in evaluating system usability through human-subject studies.
The pay range for this position at the commencement of employment is expected to be between $40 and $58/hour for Massachusetts-based roles. Base pay offered will depend on multiple individualized factors, including, but not limited to, business or organizational needs, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. TRI offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) eligibility, paid time off benefits (including vacation, sick time, and parental leave), and an annual cash bonus structure. Additional details regarding these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.
Please reference this Candidate Privacy Notice to inform you of the categories of personal information that we collect from individuals who inquire about and/or apply to work for Toyota Research Institute, Inc. or its subsidiaries, including Toyota A.I. Ventures GP, L.P., and the purposes for which we use such personal information.
TRI is fueled by a diverse and inclusive community of people with unique backgrounds, education and life experiences. We are dedicated to fostering an innovative and collaborative environment by living the values that are an essential part of our culture. We believe diversity makes us stronger and are proud to provide Equal Employment Opportunity for all, without regard to an applicant’s race, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, religion, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state or local laws.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.
