Rapid growth of the world population is proportional to the product demand, and consequently the number of end of life products increases exponentially. The disassembly process is key towards efficient treatment of EOL products, but complexity and variety in design necessitate the existence of human in the disassembly process to rectify the uncertainties in the product and process.
Cognitive robotics could potentially solve these uncertainties by imitating the human behaviour during disassembly process. The Cognitive Robotic Agent is an intelligent planner at a high-level that controls the behaviour of the disassembly system despite the uncertainties and inaccuracies of other operating modules such as vision systems or disassembly operation units. Cognitive robotics allows classical artificial intelligence (AI) to be more effective in performing tasks in complex and hazardous environments (e.g. Lithium-ion battery disassembly).
This PhD project aims to use the learning capability of cognitive robotics to develop a framework for robotic disassembly. The process of disassembly of a product will be learned by a cognitive robotic agent, and the gained information will be used when this object has been seen again. In case of an unresolved condition, the user assists with demonstrating the process remotely using a haptic device (teleoperation). The system is expected to learn from user demonstration remotely using robotic teleoperation, and becomes autonomous afterwards. Robotic teleoperation refers to the capabilities of human in performing operations remotely by using robotic systems.
Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience Required:
• The candidate will have a 1st class Masters degree (or equivalent) in robotics, computer science, mechanical engineering or a relevant discipline.
• Having background in Machine Learning and Neural Networks.
• Demonstrable knowledge in robotics, computer vision, control and robotic manipulation
• Demonstrable knowledge in robotic teleoperation
• Having experience in working with ROS and Matlab.
• Confidence and independence in programming in C++, Python.
• Having good grasp of kinematics/dynamics of serial robot arms
• Having experience in working with redundant robot arms
• Strong communication skills in English (both oral and written)
How to apply:
In order to apply for this PhD position, please share the following documents on a cloud and email the link to Dr Alireza Rastegarpanah ([Email Address Removed]):
• A full curriculum vitae.
• Cover letter summarising your research interests and suitability for the position;
• Two recommendation letters;
******* PLEASE DO NOT ATTACH THE REQUESTED DOCUMENTS TO YOUR EMAIL*******
The shortlisted candidates will be invited for the interview. After completing the selection process, the instruction for applying/filling the application form will be provided to the student.
About the Extreme Robotics Lab:
Lab Tour: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=du6jbWMzRk4
The University of Birmingham Extreme Robotics Lab, is one of the leading university robotics labs in Europe dedicated to practical applications of robotics and AI in extreme environments: https://bit.ly/3GQpmtd
The UoB robotics team are collectively working on robotic grasping and manipulation, planning and reasoning for fixed and/or mobile manipulators, robotic vehicles and navigation, robot dynamics and control, Computer Vision, machine learning and AI.
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