PhD Candidate within robotics underwater and in outer space

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The Department of Marine Technology has a vacancy for a position as PhD Candidate within “Robotics underneath sub-zero waters and outer space”. The position is financed by the research program SubZeroSpace.

The objective of SubZeroSpace is to progress the state of the art within robotics, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) and model-based artificial intelligence based on hydroacoustic datasets for both terrestrial and extra-terrestrial operations by studying core artificial intelligence methodologies applicable for both AUVs on earth and acoustic sensors in space.

The project will seek synergies between robotics and communication research required to explore both the earth and ocean worlds in space to develop technology to explore the oceans of our solar system. The project will contribute multifaceted research benefiting the robotics-, artificial intelligence- and autonomy communities. The primary challenges will be autonomous guidance and control both under water and through ice. The project will create a system for the autonomous robot(s) to detect targets for navigation and control. Sensor fusion modelling for deciding sensors  priority will be addressed. The project consists of a consortium bringing together space agencies, industry, research institution and academia to provide to solutions for exploration of ocean worlds.

The primary theme of this PhD position will be robot localization, 3D structure mapping and autonomous navigation. Based on sonar system, algorithms for efficient navigation and mapping will be developed both for absolute and relative navigation solutions. The project also includes development of procedures for in mission planning and obstacle avoidance to enhance autonomous operations. This will include control, localization, planning global trajectories, and implementing t sequencing of tasks and required autonomous behaviors. 

The position reports to the Head of Department.