Job University of Twente - PostDoc position in the project ‘AIROBOTS’ at the University of Twente

 The AIROBOTS Project

 The goal of the AIRobots project is to develop a new generation of aerial service robots capable to support human beings in all those activities which require the ability to interact actively and safely with environments not constrained on ground but, indeed, freely in air. The step forward with respect to the classical field of aerial robotics is to realize aerial vehicles able to accomplish a large variety of applications, such as inspection of buildings and large infrastructures, sample picking, aerial remote manipulation, etc.

The starting point is an aerial platform whose aeromechanical configuration allows the vehicle to interact with the environment in a non-destructive way and to hover close to operating points. Rotary-wing aerial vehicles with shrouded propellers represent the basic airframes, which will be then equipped with appropriate robotic end-effectors and sensors in order to transform the aerial platform into an aerial service robot, a system able to fly and to achieve robotic tasks.

Advanced automatic control algorithms will be conceived to govern the aerial platform, which will be remotely supervised by the operator with the use of haptic devices. Particular emphasis will be given to develop advanced human-in-the-loop and autonomous navigation control strategies relying upon a cooperative and adaptive interaction between the on-board automatic control and the remote operator. Force and visual feedback strategies will be investigated in order to transform the aerial platform in a "flying hand" suitable for aerial manipulation.

The PostDoc will be responsible for the mechatronic development of the robotic arm and end-effector to be implemented on the aerial vehicle.

 More information about the project can be found in the webpage: http://www.airobots.eu/

 About the involved research institutes

The research will be carried out in the Control Engineering (CE) Laboratory of the faculty of

Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EWI), which is embedded among other in the

Institute of Mechanics Processes And Control Twente (IMPACT).

What we offer

We offer a temporary contract for a period of 18 months in an interesting scientific environment. The minimum salary is € 2.861 gross per month and will depend on the relevant experience in this field of expertise and background.

In addition to this, we offer a holiday allowance (amounts to 8%), an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, various sporting and cultural facilities at reduced rate, and a lot more facilities.

What we offer

We offer a temporary contract for a period of 18 months in an interesting scientific environment. The minimum salary is € 2.861 gross per month and will depend on the relevant experience in this field of expertise and background.

In addition to this, we offer a holiday allowance (amounts to 8%), an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, various sporting and cultural facilities at reduced rate, and a lot more facilities.

University of Twente. A place where talent emerges and develops. Students and staff are our valued core. Approximately 3000 scientists and professionals work together on groundbreaking research, relevant innovation and inspiring education for more than 8,500 students.

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. These three disciplines shape Information and Communication Technology at the University of Twente. ICT is more than communication. In almost every product we use mathematics, electronics and computer technology are present, and ICT now contributes to all of societies' activities. It is no longer about gadgets that we do or do not want to use. The real integration of ICT is just beginning. What we need is more intelligence in our systems and improvement of their natural interaction with humans.

Applications

Please send your applications to: secretary-at- ewi.utwente.nl and mention the number 10/040 (CE2010-12) of this vacancy before the 1st of June 2010.

The applications should include:

• A motivation letter
• A resume/bio
• Pointer to the most important publications and/or PhD thesis
• Recommendation letter(s)