[jobs] PhD position in Cognitive-inspired architectural approach for AI in human-robot @ Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)

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PhD Position in Cognitive-inspired architectural approach for AI in human-robot interaction @ Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)

In the spirit of the doctoral School on Bioengineering and Robotics (https://biorob.phd.unige.it/how-to-apply), the PhD Program for the curriculum “Cognitive Robotics, Interaction and Rehabilitation Technologies” provides interdisciplinary training at the interface between technology and life-sciences. The CONTACT Research Line is coordinated by Alessandra Sciutti, who has extensive experience in Cognitive Architecture for Human Robot Interaction.

 

Description: Cognitive-based computer vision refers to models that can achieve the classical computer vision functionalities — detection, localization, recognition, and understanding — with goal-directed behaviour, the ability to adapt to unforeseen changes in the environment and anticipate the presence of objects and the occurrence of events and actions. The integration of vision with multisensory information (including auditory, haptic and tactile perception) and a proactive approach to the acquisition of novel experiences supported by a cognitive architecture, endows a cognitive robot with the awareness of the physical and social environment. The multisensory and sensory-motor integration necessary to this aim can benefit from AI components that improve the capability of the artificial intelligent system to understand and interact with the world and others. The general goal of this project will be to develop the AI components of a cognitive architecture (such as action generation, memory, internal motivation, perception) endowing the humanoid robot iCub with the ability to interact with human partners, with a focus on multisensory perception for action understanding in dyadic or small groups interactions. Using machine learning techniques, the student will start from existing computational models in order to enable a robot to decode the interaction partners’ action, intention, or internal states (mood or feeling) and to generate appropriate behaviours. The successful candidate will collaborate with an international network of researchers and partake to the sharing and convergence of multidisciplinary knowledge.

Requirements: Degree in robotics, bioengineering, computer science, computer engineering, or related disciplines, attitude toward problem-solving, basic skills in C++ programming. A background in computer vision and machine learning is a relevant asset

Contacts: Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the prospective tutors before they submit their application: France...@iit.it, Alessandr...@iit.it, Giulio....@iit.it

Application’s deadline:  The 2024 Doctorate First Call will close on July 9th 2024 at 12 noon (CET)