PhD2: Self-adaptive robot architectures for reliable, safe and explainable autonomous behaviour
Complex dynamic environments warrant complex, multi-facetted robot software control architectures. The heterogeneity of components and multitude of interactions (internal and external) makes static, hand-crafted software architectures prone to failure. In this project, you will explore Model-Based Systems Engineering methods to capture the robot control architecture, its mission and its non-functional requirements (safety, reliability) @design-time, and then research symbolic reasoning and ontologies for the robot to adapt its control architecture @runtime. The architectural self-adaptation allows online software reconfiguration to overcome component-failures, unexpected environment changes and varying mission requirements. This mission-driven adaptability will lead to highly reliable and safe autonomous behaviour. The use of symbolic reasoning at the architectural level will enable explainable autonomous control. 

Research Approach:

• Mission and non-functional requirements (reliability, safety): Model-Based Systems Engineering methods (SysML)
• Self-adaptation @runtime: Ontologies and symbolic reasoning methods
• Software platform: ROS2.

This PhD position is part of a larger research effort to study AI and Robotics for retail (supermarkets, distribution centres, online retail and supply chain) at the Delft University of Technology, see https://icai.ai/airlab-delft/). Together with Ahold Delhaize -a multinational retail organization with brands such as Albert Heijn, Delhaize, Bol.com, Etos, Gall&Gall, Stop & Shop- and the Dutch Innovation Center for AI, the TUDelft, has started a joint research lab to join the best of academic and industrial research. The lab focuses on fundamental research in artificial intelligence and robotics for retail. The lab will host 5 PhD positions and research assistants. It is led by Prof. Martijn Wisse, and has principal investigators per domain. One of the perks this industry collaboration program is the possibility  for scientists to conduct both foundational research and test or pilot ideas in an applied context. 

In Delft, we currently have three vacant PhD positions, namely:

• PhD1: Mobile manipulation in dynamic environments
• PhD2: Self-adaptive robot architectures for reliable, safe and explainable autonomous behaviour
• PhD3: Predictive Vehicle Routing for On-demand Logistics

If you are interested in multiple positions, please apply only to the one that interests you the most and mention in your motivation letter your interest in multiple positions. You will be automatically considered for those positions.

The candidate has a very good MSc degree in robotics, systems and control, applied mathematics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, mechanical/electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field. The candidate must have strong analytical skills and must be able to work at the intersection of several research domains. A very good command of the English language is required, as well as excellent communication skills. Candidates having exhibited their ability to perform research in robotics, or in probabilistic planning and decision-making, are especially encouraged to apply.

Fixed-term contract: 4 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.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline related and research skills. Please visit http://www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

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 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. http://www.cor.tudelft.nl/

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