King’s College London’s Department of Engineering is offering a fully-funded, 3.5-year PhD studentship starting in September 2022. We are seeking an independent thinker with an unwavering passion for robotics, controls, and AI, coupled with a strong desire to conduct research on legged robot balancing and locomotion, biologically-inspired variable impedance control, and machine learning.
This project shall investigate the extent to which legged robot balancing/locomotion, and interaction, may be improved through: 1. translation of biological muscle activity into motor commands; 2. machine learning; 3. a combination of 1 and 2. Robots of the future will be required to seamlessly interact with humans, and objects, within human-inhabited environments. This will enable them to assist human beings with day-to-day domestic chores, and/or to offer support to those who are physically impaired. However, the mechanical compositions of most robotic devices are not tailored to artificial, human-inhabited environments. To this end, it is sensible to strive towards the development of legged robots, whose structures more aptly befit the characteristics of artificial environments. However, continuous operation in close proximity to humans inevitably increases the necessity for safer human-robot interaction. Thus, this project will aim to develop a systematic means of translating biological muscle activity into motor commands (variable impedance control), which will be complemented with machine learning, in order to augment both balancing and interactional performance. This AI-enhanced, impedance gain generator will then be integrated into an existing power-shaping controller that will offer stability guarantees during operation.
The successful candidate will join the Dynamical RObot MOtion & Interaction (DROMOI) Lab, led by Dr Emmanouil Spyrakos, that focuses on the establishment of analytical methods for the practical, and theoretical, resolution of problems that currently impede widespread use of robotic devices, within human-inhabited environments. As such, the lab’s/group’s research interests pertain to several topics including flexible-joint systems, nonlinear control, humanoids, bipedal balancing, legged systems, optimal control, impedance control, and human-robot interaction.
King’s is a leading university providing world-class teaching and cutting-edge research. We are ranked sixth in the UK for the quality and quantity of research activity (Research Excellence Framework, 2014). King’s has played a major role in many of the advances that shape modern life, such as the discovery of the structure of DNA and research that led to the development of radio, television, mobile phones and radar. King’s continues to lead the way on research and pioneers new ideas to make the world a better place. The Department of Engineering at King’s is located on the Strand Campus of King’s College London where the studentship will be based.
Requirements:
The successful candidate should hold a degree in either Mechanical Engineering, Controls and/or Automation, Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, or another pertinent discipline. Although prior experience with robotic/mechatronic systems, AI/ML, and control system design could be advantageous, it is not a mandatory prerequisite.
Moreover, she/he must be highly motivated and have:
- Experience in writing scientific reports
- Excellent communication skills in English (both writing and speaking)
- A good attitude towards team working in an international environment
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Solid background in computer programming (e.g. Python, C++, Matlab)
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- (Preferred) Experience with Robotic/Mechatronic systems
- (Preferred) Practical experience with robotic devices
- (Preferred) Solid background in mathematics
We offer:
- You will be working at one of the world’s leading universities, at which you will be granted the opportunity to work towards your PhD with a group of excellent scientists in Robotics, Automation, Machine Learning, and AI.
- You will receive funding for the standard minimum stipend and fees up to a Home rate.
- Access to numerous robotic devices including the OP3, the Baxter robot, a number of quadrupeds, in addition to several other advanced platforms.
- Collaboration opportunities in both academia and industry (potential placements at the project partners)
Application Documentation
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must first apply for admission to the PhD programme at King’s through the online Admissions Portal (https://apply.kcl.ac.uk/). Applications must be complete with all relevant supporting documentation, by this deadline. The application must name Dr Emmanouil Spyrakos as the potential supervisor within the research proposal section of their application.
In addition to the supporting documents requested by the Admissions Portal, the application must include:
- A curriculum vitae.
- A brief research proposal based on the above project description (maximum 2 A4 pages, minimum font size 11pt, 2cm margins).
Non-UK applicants must additionally provide:
- A statement and supporting evidence showing their ability to cover full time tuition fees.
The above documents must be received by 28 February 2022.
It is advisable to contact Dr Emmanouil Spyrakos ([Email Address Removed]) directly, in order to discuss your research plans prior to submitting the application.
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