My ABB internship in Krakow is on!

My ABB mission - to create a proof-of-concept for a predictive controller using a multi-core architecture

I joined ABB with the help of the Blind Applying program and the first two weeks of my internship at ABB’s corporate research center in Krakow were intense, focused and filled with great challenges and learning!

The main goal of the project I am working on is to create a proof-of-concept for a predictive controller using a multi-core architecture rather than a single processor. In theory, this setup should create a controller that can respond more quickly and/or handle more complex problems. The controller will be tested in some specific situations such as a pumping system or an electric servomotor but the idea right now is to make it both versatile and scalable so it could be used in other scenarios in the future. I was not a complete stranger to the tools I am working with (mostly a FPGA and C programming) but now there is a whole new level of complexity, functionality and, as a consequence, possibilities. I am surprised by how far I have come since day one!

2015-03-04 12.45.37 - Versão 2

But it’s not all work, work, work! The ABB research facilities are located close to the city center and this allows me to go for a pleasant walk to search for a new place to enjoy my lunch break. I am kind of a foodie and Polish cuisine is another promising world to explore during my stay in Krakow. It tastes very good and eating out is relatively cheap here.

image

During my first weekend, which was quite sunny and warm compared to the weekdays (like every weekend should be right?) I took the chance to wander around the city and get into tourist mood. Krakow is a beautiful city with nice people. See pictures below of the Wawel Castle.

Wawel_castle_Krakow

At this point, my aim for the next few weeks is to keep doing challenging work, which is as full of learning as it has been so far and that my newly developed skills will eventually allow me to do some more cool things with my assignment. I also hope to make some new local friends and learn a bit of Polish – for now my vocabulary is non-existent.

The adventure has just begun! Stay tuned for my next blog post where I share more details on my work within ABB’s corporate research center in Krakow…

Categories and Tags
About the author

Gonçalo Guerreiro

I am currently working as an intern at the ABB Corporate Research Center (CRC) in Krakow. I started studying Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Lisbon, my hometown, and have just recently finished my KIC InnoEnergy Master Degree in Energy Technologies at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. I am also a member of the Board of European Students of Technology. While searching for my first job/internship, I joined the “Blind Applying Campaign” which ultimately brought me to ABB for three months. I am looking forward to having a taste of what corporate research is like, as well as developing my skills with this experience.
Comment on this article
Community guidelines