Internship – Research & Development (R&D) Team
ANKA Technologies (Pvt) Ltd
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