Gradually maturing robotic technology will enable large-scale deployments of highly-automated systems for logistics. Fleets of autonomous mobile robots can be leveraged to make industrial intralogistics more flexible and more efficient and fleets of automated on-demand vehicles can disrupt urban commerce by providing last-mile deliveries faster and cheaper than what is possible using traditional delivery channels. In this project, we will develop methods that allow to make principled decisions about design parameters of large-scale multi-robot systems, and to control the vehicles in the system, such that the desired trade-off between the fleet composition, operation cost, and system performance is achieved. Our goal is to design a general and scalable method for multi-robot multi-task assignment and routing, which accounts for multiple objectives and uncertainties.

This project is supported in part by an Amazon Research Award “Predictive Multi-objective Fleet Routing and Assignment”. Cross collaborations also exist with the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions and other researchers from the TU Delft Robotics Institute and the TU Delft Transportation Institute. For a glimpse of our research see http://www.alonsomora.com/research.html

The candidate has (or is close to complete) a PhD degree in robotics, systems and control, applied mathematics, optimization, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer science, or a related field. The candidate shall have strong analytical and mathematic skills (preferably in motion planning or task assignment for multi-robot systems). Experience in machine learning is not required but it is beneficial. A very good command of the English language is required, as well as excellent communication skills and several publications in Q1 venues related to the field of research.

Fixed-term contract: two years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits.

You will be part of the Autonomous Multi-Robots Lab (https://www.alonsomora.com), within the Cognitive Robotics department. 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. www.cor.tudelft.nl/

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/3me