Postdoc Multi-robot Mobile Manipulation in Human-Centered Environments

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Netherlands

Updated: 2 months ago
Deadline: 24 Mar 2024

24 Feb 2024
Job Information
Organisation/Company

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Research Field

Technology
Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
Country

Netherlands
Application Deadline

24 Mar 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)
Type of Contract

Temporary
Job Status

Not Applicable
Hours Per Week

40.0
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Mobile robots are not yet capable of seamless interaction in human populated environments, primarily due to the high complexity of modeling and reasoning over the effect that robot actions have on other robots and humans, and the inherent uncertainty. Humans rely on intuition, namely the ability to understand interaction instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning. The goal of this project is to provide mobile robots with the ability to reason about their coordination with other agents and the associated risks, take appropriate actions and continuously reassess.

In this project we will take a holistic view on the interaction of mobile robots and humans, where we will consider multiple spatio-temporal granularities ranging from individual interactions to the interaction of a robot fleet with the humans in a city, and from short term (local) to long term (global) effects of the interaction. You will work on motion planning for mobile manipulation and together with two PhD students, you will integrate intuition models in uncertainty-aware trajectory optimization methods to compute safe interaction-aware trajectories for mobile robots.

Thus, you will make a fundamental contribution towards intuitive multi-robot interaction, making it possible for teams of mobile robots to safely interact in human-centric environments and enabling a new level of automation in factories and cities.

You will work on the ERC Starting Grant project "Intuitive Interaction for Humans among Robots (INTERACT)" and be embedded within the Autonomous Multi-Robots Lab in the Department of Cognitive Robotics at TU Delft.

The goal of the Autonomous Multi-Robots Laboratory at the Delft University of Technology is to develop novel methods for navigation, motion planning, learning and control of autonomous mobile robots, with a special emphasis on multi-robot systems, on-demand transportation and robots that interact with other robots and humans in dynamic and uncertain environments. Building towards the smart cities of the future, our applications include self-driving vehicles, mobile manipulators, micro-aerial vehicles, last-mile logistics and ride-sharing. See: https://www.autonomousrobots.nl/

The main focus of the Cognitive Robotics department is the development of intelligent robots and vehicles that will advance mobility, productivity and quality of life. Our mission is to bring robotic solutions to human-inhabited environments, focusing on research in the areas of machine perception, motion planning and control, machine learning, automatic control and physical interaction of intelligent machines with humans. We combine fundamental research with work on physical demonstrators in areas such as self-driving vehicles, collaborative industrial robots, mobile manipulators and haptic interfaces. Strong collaborations exist with cross-faculty institutes TU Delft Robotics Institute and TU Delft Transport Institute), our national robotic ecosystem (RoboValley, Holland Robotics) and international industry and academia. http://www.cor.tudelft.nl/


Requirements
Specific Requirements

The candidate has (or will soon have) a PhD degree in Robotics, Controls, Machine Learning, or a related field. The candidate must be able to work at the intersection of several research domains, have a proven publication record, and have a passion for doing ground-breaking theoretical research and applying it to real robots. Good programming skills and experience with programming languages such as Python and C++ are important. Excellent command of the English language is required, as well as excellent communication skills. Candidates with a background in motion planning and/or robotics are especially encouraged to apply. Experience with machine learning and/or multi-robot control is a plus.


Additional Information
Benefits

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (salary indication: € 4.036 - € 5.090 per month gross). The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service . This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

This position is a temporary assignment until the end of 2024.


Selection process

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.


Additional comments

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Associate Professor Dr. Javier Alonso-Mora ([email protected] ).

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 25 March 2024 via the application button and upload:

  • a letter of motivation explaining why you are the right candidate for this project;
  • (max) one page research statement highlighting your research skills for this position (you may comment on your past projects) and what you would like to work on in the Postdoc (you may combine this with your motivation letter);
  • an updated cv;
  • list of your publications (may also include publications under review);
  • your most relevant scientific publication (or a link to download it);
  • a link to your PhD thesis, or draft, if available;
  • email addresses of (at least) two referees;
  • exam transcripts from your Master (optional).

    • The review of applications will be continuous as applications are received.

    The preferred starting date is April 15th 2024. However, this is flexible and can be negotiated.

    Notes
    - You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
    - Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.


    Website for additional job details

    https://www.academictransfer.com/338178/

    Work Location(s)
    Number of offers available
    1
    Company/Institute
    Delft University of Technology
    Country
    Netherlands
    City
    Delft
    Postal Code
    2628 CD
    Street
    Mekelweg 2
    Geofield


    Where to apply
    Website

    https://www.academictransfer.com/en/338178/postdoc-multi-robot-mobile-manipulat…

    Contact
    City

    Delft
    Website

    http://www.tudelft.nl/
    Street

    Mekelweg 2
    Postal Code

    2628 CD

    STATUS: EXPIRED

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