Google DeepMind Research Ready Programme 2026: Paid AI and Robotics Internship at the University of York

Are you an undergraduate student passionate about artificial intelligence and robotics? The Google DeepMind Research Ready Programme 2026 offers a unique chance to gain hands-on experience working with intelligent robots in a paid summer internship at the University of York. This highly competitive programme combines cutting-edge research, mentorship from leading academics, and real-world robotics development.

Programme Overview

The Google DeepMind Research Ready Programme is a collaborative initiative involving the Royal Academy of Engineering, Google DeepMind, and The HG Foundation. It is designed to support undergraduate students and recent graduates from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and groups underrepresented in engineering.

Participants will work within two of York’s leading research centres:

• RoboStar – a centre of excellence in robotics software engineering

• SAINTS (UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Safe Artificial Intelligence) – the UK’s first multidisciplinary PhD programme dedicated to AI safety

Internship Details

• Location: Department of Computer Science, University of York (Campus East & Campus West)

• Duration: Monday 22 June – Friday 14 August 2026 (8 weeks)

• Number of positions: 5

• Stipend: £13.45 per hour (30 hours per week)

• Funding includes:

  • Paid stipend

  • Travel cost support

  • Free on-campus accommodation (subject to eligibility)

What You’ll Work On

Interns will join a small research team to develop an autonomous robot capable of sorting mixed waste materials without prior mapping of its environment. This technology has applications in:

• Nuclear decommissioning

• Construction sites

• Recycling and waste management

Your role will include:

• Designing and documenting robotic systems

• Developing and implementing AI-enabled software

• Testing using simulation and real robotic platforms

• Contributing to a structured safety case for the robot

Training & Learning Experience

Throughout the internship, you’ll receive structured support including:

• Tutorials and practical sessions across the engineering research life cycle

• Training in problem definition, research execution, and evaluation

• Collaboration with PhD researchers and international academic teams

You will also attend the RoboStar Summer School, where researchers and industry experts in robotics gather to share knowledge and innovations.

Why Apply?

This internship provides a rare opportunity to:

• Gain real-world experience in robotics and AI research

• Work with leading experts in intelligent robotics and AI safety

• Build strong academic and industry connections

• Receive financial support and accommodation

• Enhance your CV and prepare for postgraduate research or tech careers

Eligibility Criteria

Basic Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a UK resident and paying (or have paid) UK home tuition fees

• Have the right to live and work in the UK

• Be in their penultimate or final undergraduate year, or a recent graduate

• Study (or have studied) computer science or a closely related field

• Not be currently enrolled in or have completed a Master’s or PhD

• Be on track to achieve at least a 2:1 degree

• Demonstrate programming skills

Socioeconomic Eligibility (at least one required)

Applicants must meet at least one of the following:

• Eligible for free school meals

• From a low participation area (POLAR4 or IMD)

• Received full non-repayable maintenance support or maximum loan

• Experience in local authority care

• Significant caring responsibilities

• Refugee status

Desirable Skills

• Basic knowledge of artificial intelligence

Application Timeline

• Application Deadline: Friday 27 March 2026, 11:59pm GMT

• Offer Notifications: Week of 17 April 2026

• Internship Dates: 22 June – 14 August 2026

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete the official application form and ensure all required documents are submitted before the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Click HERE, for more Information about the Google DeepMind Research Ready Programme 2026.

Apply now and take your first step toward shaping the future of intelligent systems.