Post date: Sep 01, 2011 4:46:50 PM
The Department of Advanced Robotics (http://www.iit.it/en/advanced-robotics) at the Italian Institute of Technology IIT (an English language Institute) placed in Genoa has a number of PhD openings within the research areas of Humanoid Robotics and Compliant Actuation Systems (starting in January 2012). Please see below the list of the available themes.
PhD Themes (Humanoids and Compliant Robotics):
Theme 1: Building the next Humanoids: Exploring the Mechatronic Technological Limits and New Design Philosophies for the development of an Ultra High Performance Leg.
Theme 2: Development of a Variable Stiffness Actuated Humanoid Lower Body.
Theme 3: Humanoid Walking and Motion Planning: From Flat Terrains through Uneven Terrains, to Particulate Surfaces and Terrains with different Stiffness properties.
Theme 4: Development and Control of a Variable Damping/ Stiffness Actuated Humanoid Upper Body.
Application Requirements:
The successful candidates will be involved in Research projects funded by the European Union ( the currently running AMARSI: http://www.amarsi-project.eu/ and the recently funded SAPHARI Projects ) and will contribute to the development and control of the next generation of Humanoids Robots based on novel compliant actuation systems.
Interested candidates holding a Master degree in Mechanical / Electrical engineering, computer science, or other related fields are invited to apply for admission. Applicants should ideally have strong competencies in one or more of the followings areas: mechanism design, physical system modeling/ rigid body dynamics, robot control, MATLAB and C/C++ programming. Any additional experience in robotics research will be a plus.
To apply please send a detailed CV, a statement of motivation, at least 2 reference letters, degree certificates, grade of transcripts and any additional support material to Dr. Nikos Tsagarakis: (nikos.tsagarakis@iit.it) and Floriana Sardi: (floriana.sardi@iit.it). In addition, the applicants should fill the online application form at (http://www.iit.it/en/home.html) under the “XXVII Cycle - Doctoral School on Life and Humanoid Technologies” Tab no later than the 23th of September 2011 at 12.00 noon (Italian time)
.
International applications are encouraged and will receive logistic support with visa issues, relocation, etc.