Robotics Research & Community Intern

About Junfan Labs

Junfan Labs is an independent research and technology initiative focused on robotics, world models, and Physical AI. We advance research in AI evaluation and intelligent systems, provide technical advisory services, and collaborate with industry to translate frontier research into real-world applications.

About the Role

Get a front-row seat to frontier robotics research and the emerging Physical AI ecosystem. At Junfan Labs, you'll work directly with the founder to connect robotics researchers, builders, and industry leaders through research programs, hardware hackathons, technical media, and industry partnerships. This is a part-time, unpaid internship designed around mentorship, practical project experience, and a flexible schedule that accommodates your classes.

Key Responsibilities

• Research & Technical Content: Track emerging papers and developments in robotics, world models, and Physical AI. Help prepare research briefings, technical recaps, and content around robot demonstrations and evaluation.
• Events & Research Programs: Help plan and run Junfan Labs events, including robotics hardware hackathons, research meetups, technical talks, and Robotics Hackathon Demo Days. Coordinate timelines, speaker logistics, registration, and on-site execution.
• Venues & Vendors: Research venues and vendors, compare proposals, coordinate logistics, and organize vendor documentation and agreements for the founder's review.
• Partnerships: Research potential sponsors and partners, build outreach lists, draft proposals and follow-ups, and participate in partner conversations.
• Media & Communications: Shoot and edit short-form videos, write event recaps, and help manage Junfan Labs' X and LinkedIn presence.
• Podcast Production: Help produce conversations with robotics researchers and builders, from guest outreach and scheduling to recording and editing.
• Operations: Keep contacts, calendars, project documents, and follow-ups organized so research programs and partnerships run smoothly.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• A current undergraduate or graduate student in any major, curious about robotics, AI, and how research becomes real-world technology.
• Organized, reliable, and proactive about following up and getting things done.
• Comfortable reaching out to people you don't know, both by email and in person.
• Experienced with short-form video, social media, or digital content, with examples of your work to share.
• Excited to learn about frontier robotics research and engage with researchers, founders, and industry practitioners.

Bonus Points

• Podcast or audio production experience.
• Event planning experience through student clubs, conferences, hackathons, or research communities.
• Familiarity with design tools such as Canva or Figma.
• Mandarin Chinese proficiency.
• Experience reading technical papers or an interest in robotics evaluation, world models, or Physical AI.

Details

• Commitment: Approximately 10–15 hours per week, plus occasional weekend event days.
• Location: San Francisco Bay Area; hybrid, with in-person attendance for events and remote work otherwise.
• Duration: 3–6 months, starting November 2026.
• Compensation: Unpaid, subject to applicable internship requirements. Academic credit may be available through your institution.