[Jobs] Fully-funded PhD studentships in Robotics - University of Nottingham

[Ayse Kucukyilmaz]

Dear colleagues, 

We have several fully funded PhD studentships at the University of Nottingham for outstanding graduates with strong interest in robotics, machine learning/perception, and human-robot interaction. 

There are two different funding routes for applications, and the application process require the candidates to prepare a short research proposal, so if interested, please discuss with me prior to applying. Applications skipping this step will not be considered.

In order to initiate the discussion, please send an Expression of Interest to ayse.kuc...@nottingham.ac.uk in PDF format, clearly mentioning the reference to the position in the subject (SCI2041 or Horizon). The application document should include: 
1) cover letter

2) your CV and relevant links (Github, website etc.)
3) your transcript

School of Computer Science PhD Scholarship (SCI2041):

Funding for: International, 3.5 years

Closing Date: 13 February 2022

Funding amount: Stipend of minimum £15,009 p.a. and tuition fees

Information: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/jobs/currentvacancies/ref/SCI2041

Topic: Variable autonomy and explainable planning in human-robot interaction  

Summary: Full automation in robotics is currently not possible in many application domains (e.g. healthcare and assisted mobility, extreme environments) due to the complexity and variety of tasks, and the unpredictable nature of the world and the human behaviours sharing the space. As a result, robots still require human help in human environments (e.g. think of your robot vacuum cleaner, which continuously needs your help while trying to complete the relatively easy cleaning task). In doing so, the robot needs to be employed with good mechanisms to switch in between autonomy levels, which are ideally defined on a continuous scale, as well as finding good ways to communicate its plans to nearby humans. 

The aim of this PhD project is to 1) learn how to perform efficiently with/around humans through task and motion planning, 2) equip robots with multimodal communication tools to convey states and decisions, so that their operation is explainable, and 2) develop fluent arbitration mechanisms for adopting appropriate levels of autonomy through perception and decision making. Complex real-life application scenarios will be studied in this project, such as interacting with health personnel or patients in a hospital ward, or inspection in complex workplace environments.

Horizon CDT Scholarships (Horizon):

Funding for: International, 4 years

Funding amount: Enhanced stipend £17,600 p.a. and tuition fees

Closing date (International applicants): 15 December 2021

Closing date (UK applicants): 4 January 2022

Information: https://cdt.horizon.ac.uk/apply/how-to-apply/

 

Topic: The use of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Live Creative Installations

Summary: With robotics technologies becoming more affordable and accessible, there is a growing interest from creative industries to involve robotics in live installations. The Thingamabobas is an example of such an installation we developed in collaboration with the Makers of Imaginary Worlds (MOIW). However, there are many challenges, as well as opportunities, when working with robotic installation art. Especially, there is a strong need for research to enable technological capabilities to improve the entire audience experience through an artistic lens. This PhD project aims to build socially intelligent robotic installations by 1) developing artificial intelligence methods to create robotic installations, which are easy to configure by artists, 2) implementing adaptive robot behaviours that respond to changing audience states, such as engagement, boredom, attention, in order to enhance interaction through cognitive and user modelling, and 3) evaluating the developed techniques in real-world installations with real audiences.

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Requirements: 

• A first-class or upper second-class BSc or MSc degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Engineering or a related subject (essential). Individuals with significant relevant non-academic experience are encouraged to apply.
• Excellent programming skills in C++ and/or Python
• Experience in robot programming and relevant tools (e.g. ROS, Gazebo, PyBullet)
• Understanding of motion planning and control
• Machine learning 
• Experience in conducting user studies
• Commitment to applying your research to real robotic systems interacting with real humans in challenging environments

Selected candidates will take advantage of extensive training and career development opportunities and will benefit from excellent support to produce and disseminate original research contributions at leading international venues. The role also offers the opportunity to engage in international collaborations, as well as working within an ambitious and diverse team of robotics and AI researchers at a top UK university. The candidate will have access to state-of-the-art equipment, software, and research facilities in the Cobot Maker Space, including research space and several robots (including Franka Emika, Haption Virtuose, UR3, Geomagic TouchX, Turtlebots, LoCoBot, Ohmni/Double telepresence robots, robotic wheelchair), computer vision equipment, physiological sensors, as well as dedicated data storage and competitive computational facilities suitable for doing world-leading research in machine learning.

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Dr Ayse Kucukyilmaz

Assistant Professor of Robotics 

School of Computer Science

University of Nottingham

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