Research Engineer in Compliant and Soft Robotics for Safe Interaction

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy.

The division of Mechatronics and Embedded Control Systems is searching for a research engineer in the field of design, development and evaluation of compliant and soft robots intended for safe human-robot interaction. The research to be performed is part of a collaboration between KTH and HONDA Research Institute of Japan, under an ongoing pilot study for UNICEF’s Policy Guidance on AI for Children. The pilot study goal is to develop a robotic platform aiming to stimulate children’s cognitive development, creativity, problem-solving and collaborative skills. As intended for future integration in home environments and educational settings, such an application-oriented vision dictates the robot requirements in terms of structural compliance, control efficiency and fused sensing, for enabling high robot dependability, motion, perception and interaction abilities. The design and integration of rigid, compliant, and soft structures, combined with smart actuation and sensor fusion will be investigated, while motion and compliance algorithms will be implemented for controlling the robot properties in various interaction scenarios. The developed prototypes will be validated through a series of simulation and experimental trials for assessing all target performance aspects.

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future.
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
• Work in Stockholm, in close proximity to nature
• Help to relocate and get settled in Sweden and at KTH .

Read more about what it is like to work at KTH

Requirements

• MSc degree in robotics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or equivalent.
• Experience with one or more of the following CAD design software Solidworks, Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Fusion 360, Solid Edge.
• Experience in additive manufacturing (3D printing) and robot assembly.
• Good knowledge of one or more of the following programming languages and technologies Matlab/Simulink, Python, C++, LabVIEW.
• Good ability to communicate in English both verbally and in writing, as required in daily work.
• Solid academic record and well-developed problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a group.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in one or more robot simulation software Simscape Multibody, Gazebo, Webots, Coppelia (V-REP).
• Experience in fabrication concepts (casting, molding, cores).
• Good knowledge in Finite Element (FE) simulation (motion, fatigue, thermal etc.) of CAD parts and assemblies.
• Experience in design optimization.
• Good knowledge of automatic control theory and applications.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with a specific focus on gender equality

Great emphasis will be placed on personal competency.

You will find contact information to trade union representatives at KTH's webbpage .

Log into KTH's recruitment system in order to apply to this position. You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad.

Your complete application must be received by KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

The application must include:
1. Cover letter: a one-page brief description of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals.
2. CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
3. Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements. Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages. Copies of originals must be certified.

The employment is valid for a limited time according to the agreement - for up to one year, with a chance of extension for one more year. Access by agreement.

Other information

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.