PhD Vacancies on ultra low latency SLAM for robotics (# of pos: 3)

PhD Vacancies on ultra low latency SLAM for robotics

Job description

We are searching for a group of PhD students working on developing new SLAM algorithms for a novel ultra low latency 3D camera as a joint project between VUB-Brubotics + VUB-ETRO and a new Brussels spinoff.

Vrije Universiteit Brussel – Brubotics research group

Vrije Universiteit Brussel – ETRO research group

BruBotics is the Brussels Human Robotics Research Center of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. In strong interdisciplinary teams we strive together to enable the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) through Human Robotics. BruBotics uniquely combines expertise on robotics, AI, rehabilitation sciences, movement sciences, social sciences, retail marketing, ageing and eHealth and is as such one of the only truly interdisciplinary robotics research centers in Europe. Our research focus is mostly energy efficient, safe control of collaborative robots as exoskeletons, prostheses, cobots, social robots and drones.

ETRO and Brubotics collaborate with many universities and research centres worldwide and jointly develop advanced technologies with industry (i.e., R&D centers from international companies, Flanders’ top innovating large companies and SMEs, as well as numerous ambitious startups).

Research topic

We have several positions in the field of ultra low latency SLAM. Based on a ground breaking 3D sensor for ultra-low-latency, low-power and low-complexity 3D perception, the main research aim is to develop a ultra low latency SLAM to achieve breakthrough innovations for autonomous mobile robots. The unique characteristics of the highly innovative 3D sensor will need to be exploited in the SLAM design. The goal is to validate the novel SLAM in drones and to demonstrate the benefits of ultra low latency SLAM in high speed robotics.

Your tasks

• You will conduct high quality research in a PhD both at imec-VUB ETRO (prof Adrian Munteanu) and imec-VUB Brubotics (Prof Bram Vanderborght).
• You will closely collaborate with other researchers in the team and startup company.

• You will develop SLAM algorithms and develop proof of concepts for drone robotics use case.
• You will benchmark the proposed methods and thrive to outperform the state of the art
• You will write detailed technical evaluation reports on the developed solutions, implementation, and experiments, leading to publications in major conferences and journals.
• You will assist in teaching lab sessions of relevant courses at bachelor or master level (at most 10% of your responsibilities).

Your qualifications

• You have or will soon obtain a master’s degree in electronic/electrical/control/robotics engineering, computer science, or equivalent.

• You can demonstrate excellent study results (minimum distinction and preferably great distinction)
• You have an in-depth knowledge of SLAM / and or point cloud processing, and interest in robotic systems.
• You have strong programming skills in C/C++ and ROS. Knowledge of Python and/or Matlab is a plus.
• You are a team player and have strong communication skills.
• You have a high proficiency in oral and written English.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two years.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts  for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• Find out more about working at the VUB here . 

How to apply

• You can apply for this vacancy up to and including 31/10/2022 (by midnight CET). Be sure to include the following attachments: the requested diplomas, a motivation letter, your academic CV (educational record, research, teaching experience, etc.), a one-page summary of your master’s thesis (in English), and optionally proof of your English proficiency. Applications can be send to Niels Gadeyne ([email protected] )
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline and inform you whether or not you are selected. If you are selected, you will receive more details on the next steps of the selection procedure.

If you have any questions about the application, send an email to [email protected] and [email protected]