PhD Position Robotic tactile sensing for dexterous manipulation

Let's build the next generation of tactile robotic hands.

We are looking for a highly-motivated PhD candidate to work on new tactile sensing methods for robotics. Tactile sensors are central to enable dexterous manipulation because they convey information about the material properties of the object (e.g., friction, texture, shape), and about the dynamic contact state (e.g., rolling, slippage). Having access to this information will enable robot manipulators to sense and control if an object could slip from its grasp, regardless of its shape, softness or texture.

Within this project, you will create machine-learning algorithms that perceive material properties and predict if an object is about to slip, based on measured tactile signals.

Within this PhD position, you will:

The position is part of a NWO funded-project closely connected to industrial partners. The results of this project have fundamental implications in neuroscience, haptics, robotics, and prosthetics.      

We are looking for someone with a MSc degree (or about to get a MSc) in the field of Mechanical Engineering, System and Control, Robotics, or any related field. The ideal candidate has a background and/or affinity with:

• Mechatronics
• Control theory
• Signal processing
• Machine learning

Attributes we are looking for:

• A curiosity-driven person with a ‘can learn anything’ mentality
• An independent thinker with a critical attitude
• A candidate with a strong interest in robotics     

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .

You will be part of the Tactile Machines Lab headed by Michael Wiertlewski. We offer active supervision and ample opportunities to share your work and progress. The lab is equipped with cutting-edge instruments including a high-speed camera, Kuka and UR robots and Allegro Hand. The lab is part of the Human-Robot Interaction section within  Cognitive Robotics Department (CoR) of the Mechanical Engineering faculty (3mE). You will be part of a vibrant and collaborative team of researchers dedicated to furthering the knowledge of robotics and human sciences.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Michael Wiertlewski. Email: [email protected]

For information about the selection procedure, please contact Nathalie van Benthem, HR-advisor, email: [email protected].

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply by October 31, 2022 via the application button and upload:

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

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

Let's build the next generation of tactile robotic hands.

We are looking for a highly-motivated PhD candidate to work on new tactile sensing methods for robotics. Tactile sensors are central to enable dexterous manipulation because they convey information about the material properties of the object (e.g., friction, texture, shape), and about the dynamic contact state (e.g., rolling, slippage). Having access to this information will enable robot manipulators to sense and control if an object could slip from its grasp, regardless of its shape, softness or texture.

Within this project, you will create machine-learning algorithms that perceive material properties and predict if an object is about to slip, based on measured tactile signals.

Within this PhD position, you will:

The position is part of a NWO funded-project closely connected to industrial partners. The results of this project have fundamental implications in neuroscience, haptics, robotics, and prosthetics.      

We are looking for someone with a MSc degree (or about to get a MSc) in the field of Mechanical Engineering, System and Control, Robotics, or any related field. The ideal candidate has a background and/or affinity with:

• Mechatronics
• Control theory
• Signal processing
• Machine learning

Attributes we are looking for:

• A curiosity-driven person with a ‘can learn anything’ mentality
• An independent thinker with a critical attitude
• A candidate with a strong interest in robotics     

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .

You will be part of the Tactile Machines Lab headed by Michael Wiertlewski. We offer active supervision and ample opportunities to share your work and progress. The lab is equipped with cutting-edge instruments including a high-speed camera, Kuka and UR robots and Allegro Hand. The lab is part of the Human-Robot Interaction section within  Cognitive Robotics Department (CoR) of the Mechanical Engineering faculty (3mE). You will be part of a vibrant and collaborative team of researchers dedicated to furthering the knowledge of robotics and human sciences.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Michael Wiertlewski. Email: [email protected]

For information about the selection procedure, please contact Nathalie van Benthem, HR-advisor, email: [email protected].

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply by October 31, 2022 via the application button and upload:

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

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.