Master Thesis- Development of Forklift Protectors

Job description

Company description

For 78 years, IKEA has been making the everyday life better for the many people. 
The times have been changing and the increased complexity in the supply chain network 
creates challenges to deliver quality products. IKEA constantly strives to improve the 
quality of the products that reach its customers. 

Job description

Do you enjoy developing new products and solve challenges? Do you like developing products that solve some of the biggest challenges in the industry? Then we are looking for you!
This project aims at reducing the damages and the cost of poor quality 
associated with it by developing protective bumpers that can be attached to forklifts. 
The thesis aims at providing the students an insight into the complete product development phase, from brain storming to designing, analyzing and testing. 

The thesis focuses on developing a protective bumper solution for the forklifts in order to reduce handling damages to the products. The aim of the thesis is to investigate different solutions that can reduce the damages and evaluate them based on engineering aspects. 
The work can be done as by one student or a group of 2. 

The main work consists of:
•    Study and analyze existing solutions and understand product requirements
•    Development of product/solution through material selection
•    Evaluate developed concepts from engineering point of view. For example: Manufacturability, sustainability, usability, etc.

 The work will be performed in 3 steps
1.    Background study for similar existing solutions
2.    Simulate solutions with different materials and find the optimal solution
3.    Develop and Perform tests to validate the simulations

Qualification

For the thesis, the student would need to have relevant education in Mechanical Engineering eg, Product Design, Product Development, Solid Mechanics, or similar.

Prerequisites:
1.    Good Knowledge of CAD. IKEA Component uses SolidWorks
2.    Understanding of FEM simulations 
3.    Interest in design, simulations, and testing

More Information

Thesis start: September 2022 or later
Duration: 20 weeks, Full-time (30hp / ECTS)
Number of students: 1 or 2 
Place: Älmhult

If you have any questions about the recruitment process or about the role you are welcome to contact IKEA Supervisor, Malhar Ozarkar,  malhar.ozarkar@inter.ikea.com
Please submit both your CV and motivational letter in English latest 20th July 2022. 
We are reviewing applications as they come through so don’t wait to apply!

We are looking forward to your application!