PhD: Constrained Robotic Manipulation in Human-centered Environments

At the Department of Signals and Systems, we conduct internationally renowned research in biomedical engineering, antenna systems, signal processing, image analysis, automatic control, automation, mechatronics, and communication systems. 
We offer a dynamic and international research environment with about 150 employees from more than 20 countries, and with extensive national and international research collaborations with academia, industry and society.
The department provides more than 70 courses, of which most are included in the Master’s Programs ”Biomedical Engineering”, ”Systems, Control and Mechatronics”, and ”Communication Engineering”.

Read more at www.chalmers.se/en/departments/s2

Information about the research/the project/the division
We invite applications for one doctoral student position in robot control and manipulation for human-centered environments and physical human robot interaction (pHRI). The doctoral student will work in the areas of robotics and automatic control emphasizing in robotic manipulation and adaptive control techniques.

The position is with the Mechatronics research group in the Division of Automatic Control, Automation and Mechatronics. The candidate will work under the supervision of senior researchers with background in robotics, automatic control and optimization with the Division of Automatic Control, Automation and Mechatronics. There will be also opportunities for collaboration with the Center for Autonomous Systems at Royal Institute of Technology (KTH).

Modern robotic applications require the design of human-friendly robots that are able to operate in environments designed for human inhabitants (human-centered environments) and to collaborate with possibly inexperienced human operators. Typical tasks involved in such applications are handing over an object to the robot and human-robot cooperative manipulation of a jointly held object. The high amount of uncertainty mainly related to the involvement of the human (e.g. the human imposes constraints that are unknown to the robot) can deteriorate the performance of the robot.

You are expected to design and test systems for robot control and estimation in order to enable a robot to perform constrained manipulation tasks in human-centered environments that may involve interaction with other dynamic agents (humans or robots) under uncertainties.

Major responsibilities
The PhD student will carry out original research and complete coursework throughout the period of appointment. Results will be communicated in the form of scientific articles, conference presentations, etc. and the PhD thesis.

The working time of a PhD student is mainly devoted to research. Undergraduate teaching duties, not exceeding 20% of the working time, may include supervision of MSc students.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
Applicants should have a Master's degree (or Diploma) in Automation and Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or Applied Math, or an equivalent or similar background. Basic knowledge about control systems and robotics as well as experience in simulation of dynamical systems are required. Furthermore, the position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. High grades in relevant undergraduate courses, C/C++ and hardware implementation experience are advantageous.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application deadline: 2015-08-15

For questions, please contact:
Assistant professor Yiannis Karayiannidis, e-mail: yiannis@chalmers.se


Professor Jonas Sjöberg, e-mail: jonas.sjoberg@chalmers.se



*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!