Nature Robots – Working Student Autonomy Integration – Steering Kit for Tractor Retrofit [f/m/d]

PDF - Working Student Autonomy Integration

Working Student, Osnabrück, Germany (hybrid possible, close on-site collaboration for field tests)

About Nature Robots

Nature Robots is a disruptive robotics and AI startup transforming agriculture through innovation. We are developing our Farming Autonomy OS – a manufacturer-independent, compliance-by-design platform for the autonomous navigation of agricultural machines and robots – supporting regenerative and sustainable farming in the face of climate change, population growth, and the need for local food production.

The Background

We are strategically expanding our Autonomy OS into the retrofit market for tractors and self-propelled machines: using a retrofittable steering kit, existing vehicles are to be made semi-autonomous – with the driver increasingly taking on the role of a safety operator who monitors the system rather than actively steering.

The Opportunity

As a Working Student in Autonomy Integration, you will analyze and implement the connection between our existing autonomy stack and a commercially available steering kit. Within a few weeks, you will determine whether compatibility is possible without major modifications – your findings will provide the basis for deciding whether the steering kit is purchased to drive the integration forward.

Your Role

Interface & Compatibility Analysis: Analyze the hardware and software interfaces of the steering kit (CAN/CANopen communication, steering-angle sensing, actuator control) and compare them with the requirements of our autonomy stack.
Prototype Integration: Integrate the steering kit into our existing autonomy stack and ensure the steering can be controlled via our software.
Field Testing: Run tests on a test vehicle to validate steering accuracy, response time, and reliability of the integration under real field conditions.
Gap Analysis & Documentation: Identify necessary adjustments to the stack or the kit and document technical limitations as well as possible solutions.
Decision Proposal: Based on your findings, develop a well-founded purchase recommendation (go/no-go), including an effort estimate for the further integration.
Collaboration: Coordinate closely with our autonomy software and mechatronics teams on test results and next steps.

What you bring

Enrolled student (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related technical field.
Initial experience with ROS/ROS2 as well as integrating hardware into existing software architectures.
Knowledge of vehicle bus systems (CAN, CANopen; experience with ISOBUS/ISO 11783 is a plus).
A basic understanding of control engineering (e.g., closed-loop steering control) is desirable.
Programming skills in C++ and/or Python.
A hands-on mentality and a structured, independent way of working – you enjoy making sound decisions under tight timelines.
Class B driving license (Class T is a plus) for field tests.
Experience with embedded systems or agricultural robotics is a plus, but not required.
Passion for autonomous systems and sustainable agriculture.

Our offer

A responsible role in a project with direct strategic influence on the direction of our Autonomy OS.
No corporate politics: short decision-making paths, real responsibility from day one, and an extremely steep learning curve.
Flexibility & Trust: flexible working hours around your studies and a culture based on trust rather than micromanagement.
Direct insight into hardware-software integration and real test vehicles – instead of pure theory.
A meaningful role in a pioneering agri-tech startup with real impact.
Prospect of continued employment, provided the project and collaboration are a good fit.

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