At Toyota Material Handling Europe (TMHE), we create the technology that keeps the world moving. Diverse businesses across Europe depend on our logistics and material handling solutions. By pioneering technology such as automation, connectivity and productivity solutions, we create opportunities for our customers’ logistics operations to be as efficient as possible. 

We firmly believe in setting ideas in motion. That is why we are investing more than ever in research and development. Our multidisciplinary teams work both conceptually and practically to develop the next generation of material handling products and solutions. By providing our Research and Development organisation with the creative freedom and resources needed to explore new technologies, we aim to stay at the forefront of innovation. At Toyota Material Handling Europe, we contribute to a smarter and more sustainable society, today and tomorrow. 

Background and purpose 
How can digital mock-ups support better decisions earlier in mechanical product development? 

As mechanical products become increasingly complex, engineers need to evaluate design alternatives, identify potential issues and share technical information throughout the development process. 

Digital mock-ups allow teams to visualise and review products before physical hardware is available. However, we want to better understand how these tools are used in practice, where they create value and what limits their effectiveness. 
The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how the use of digital mock-ups can be improved to support collaboration and early engineering decisions. 

Thesis description 
Working with engineers and existing product development practices, you will: 

• Investigate how digital mock-ups are currently used in selected mechanical design and review activities. 
• Identify challenges related to information sharing, collaboration and early design decisions. 
• Explore relevant methods and opportunities to improve the use of digital mock-ups throughout the development process. 
• Develop practical, research-based recommendations for future ways of working. 

Your findings will provide a foundation for improving engineering workflows, potentially including a process proposal or prioritised roadmap. 

The thesis is not expected to deliver a production-ready digital system. 

We are looking for two Master’s students studying: 

• Mechanical Engineering 
• Product Development or Product Design Engineering 
• Industrial Engineering and Management 
• A related engineering field 

You have an interest in mechanical design, digital engineering and product development processes. 

You enjoy analysing technical challenges, collaborating with engineers and translating findings into practical recommendations. You can communicate your results clearly in English. 

Beneficial skills (not mandatory) 

• Familiarity with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D modelling. 
• Knowledge of digital mock-ups (DMU), design reviews or Product Lifecycle Management (PLM). 
• Experience with engineering analysis, interviews or process mapping.  

At Toyota Material Handling Europe, you will work on a real engineering challenge and explore how machine learning could support future product development decisions. 

You will be based at our Innovation Centre in Vallastaden, Linköping and the TMHE Headquarters in Mjölby, where you will receive guidance from experienced professionals and have opportunities to collaborate with engineers and other Master's students. 

We believe in a flexible work environment that allows you to balance both your professional and personal life. At TMHE, you will have the opportunity to build valuable skills, contribute to impactful projects and be part of a collaborative, diverse and welcoming workplace. You will also receive competitive compensation in two instalments: one when you start your work and the other upon successful completion of your thesis. 

Time for you to make a MOVE! 

Your application 
Please submit your application, including: 

• A brief personal letter 
• Your CV 
• A recent transcript of records 

For questions about the thesis, please contact your future mentor Simon Ekström at simon.ekstrom@toyota-industries.eu. 

Applications are reviewed continuously, and suitable candidates may be invited to interviews before the deadline. 

Terms 

• Application: As soon as possible, or at the latest by the 30th of October 2026.
•  Start date: During January 2027. 
• Scope: 30 hp. 
• Number of students: Two. 
• Location: TMHE Innovation Centre, Vallastaden, Linköping (Main). You must be able to attend in-person meetings at our offices in Mjölby when required.