Robot Teleoperator (Data Collection), Short-Term Contract

The Opportunity

Ludo is hiring in-house Robot Teleoperators for a data collection project at our Palo Alto office. You'll control robot arms by hand to do everyday tasks and say out loud what you're doing as you do it.

Your movements and your voice are recorded together. That data goes straight into training our AI models, so robots learn to connect words like "pick up the red cup" with the matching action. The cleaner and more consistent your demonstrations, the better our robots learn.

No prior robotics experience is needed; we will train you on the robots, scripts and data tools during your onboarding.

A Typical Shift

Each shift is 8 hours, split into recording blocks with breaks in between. You start by powering on the robots, running the calibration check and confirming the cameras and microphone are recording, then get the day's tasks and scripts from your lead. Most of the shift is spent recording episodes.

What You'll Do

Operate robots

• Control robot arms with a leader-follower setup (such as YAM arms): you move the leader arm by hand, and the follower robot copies you in real time.
• For some tasks, operate robots with VR gear such as a Meta Quest headset and hand controllers.
• Example tasks: packing items into boxes or bags; sorting cups, plates and utensils into bins; opening and closing jars and drawers; folding towels and clothes; wiping a table.

Talk through each task

• Say the scripted line for each step as you do it, using the same words every time, for example "Opening the drawer." "Grabbing the blue sponge."
• Speak at a steady pace and normal volume, timed to what your hands are doing.
• Flag the episode whenever your words and actions don't match.

Keep quality high

• Repeat tasks many times at steady speed and quality. This role has per-shift targets for both volume and quality.
• Adjust quickly when tasks, objects or scripts change.

Report problems

• Spot failed grasps, hardware glitches, recording errors and unclear instructions.
• Report them to the engineering and research teams with the episode ID, the time and a one-line description.

Manage data

• Upload and tag the episodes you record.
• Keep a short log for each shift.

Look after equipment and safety

• Start up and shut down robots correctly, and fix simple problems, such as reseating a loose cable or restarting the software.
• Keep the workspace safe for yourself, your teammates and the robots.

What We're Looking for

• Excellent hand-eye coordination, sense of space and focus.
• Comfort talking and moving at the same time. You can describe your actions clearly in real time without slowing down or making mistakes.
• Clear spoken English
• You're comfortable having your voice recorded and used to train our AI models.
• The ability to stand and move for most of your shift.
• You pick up new physical tasks quickly and look for the best way to do them.
• You welcome feedback and keep getting better.
• High school diploma or equivalent required. An Associate's or Bachelor's degree is a plus.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to stand, move, and stay focused for long periods.
• Independence: Ability to work on your own with minimal supervision once trained.
• Collaboration: A positive, team-first attitude and openness to feedback from the engineering and research teams.
• Availability for the full project period, November 15 - December 22, 2026.

Nice to have

• Experience with robots, VR, teleoperation systems or robot arms.
• Experience doing voice-over, live streaming, coaching, or any job where you talk while doing something with your hands.
• Gaming, drone flying, or other hobbies that need precise control.

Contract details

• Work: In-house teleoperation at Ludo's Palo Alto office
• Pay: $40/hour (Free lunch provided, unpaid break)
• Dates: November 15 - December 22, 2026
• Hours: Up to 8 hours per day; exact schedule to be confirmed
• Payment: Every two weeks, based on the hours you actually work