From tech support to industrial PhD student

Meet Matheus Bernat: exploring the future of AI at SICK Linköping

About

🎓 M.Sc. Computer Science and Engineering, Linköping University

💻 Application Engineering at SICK Linköping for 3 years, working with machine vision systems in both 2D and 3D

🔬 Industrial PhD student in AI and industrial perception

🎾 Tennis, padel, football, cycling, skiing

⛪ Volunteer and leader of a young adults prayer group

We thought it was time to introduce some of the people behind SICK Linköping, so we sat down for a conversation. First up is Matheus Bernat, 27, Application Engineer who has recently taken the step into an Industrial PhD in AI and industrial perception. He has been part of SICK for three years, working close to both development and real world applications in machine vision.

Now, he is moving into a new phase of his career where industry experience and academic research come together through WASP and long term AI research.

Who he is and his role at SICK

Matheus Bernat studied Computer Science and Engineering at Linköping University and currently works in the application engineering team at SICK Linköping. His work focuses on supporting, building, and improving machine vision solutions used in real industrial environments.

The team works with both technical support and development, often moving between prototyping, problem solving, and creating robust systems for real production use.

What excites him about research and industry together

For Matheus, the Industrial PhD is a way to go deeper into the intersection between artificial intelligence and real industrial systems. He is especially interested in how modern multimodal AI can be combined with practical engineering knowledge to create new possibilities in industrial perception.

The PhD also opens doors to conferences, study visits, and collaboration with researchers and engineers across different environments. Over four years, he will be able to explore one of the most fast moving areas in technology while staying closely connected to real applications.

What he is looking forward to growing within

One of the areas Matheus wants to develop further is communication. He is currently focusing on becoming better at explaining complex technical ideas in a clear and structured way, both in writing and in presentations.

He sees this as an important skill not only during his PhD but also for his long term career in both industry and research environments.

What motivates him in his work

Matheus is motivated by a combination of learning new things, seeing his work become useful in real applications, and working with skilled and supportive colleagues.

He highlights that being able to take ideas from early concepts to working systems is one of the most rewarding parts of his job.

What he enjoys outside work

Outside of work, Matheus leads an active lifestyle built around both sports and volunteering.

He trains around four times per week, including tennis, padel, football, cycling, running, and cross country skiing. He also volunteers at the local Catholic church where he leads a prayer group for young adults.

For him, this balance between physical activity, community engagement, and technical work is an important part of everyday life.

At SICK Linköping, the environment is shaped by giving people space to go deep in their craft, research, and personal development. For Matheus, this mindset reflects both where he is today and where he is heading next.