Soft Robots are robotic systems with purposefully designed compliant elements embedded into their mechanical structure. Continuum soft robots are inspired from the invertebrate part of the animal kingdom, and they have continuum bodies resembling tentacles or elephant trunks. Leveraging the elastic bodies of soft robots promises to enable the execution of dynamic motions as well as compliant and safe interaction with an unstructured environment. However, the exploitation of these abilities is constrained by the lack of appropriate control strategies.

The goal of the PhD project is to face this grand challenge within robotics field. Achieving this goal will require reaching profound understanding of the high-dimensional, under-actuated, and nonlinear nature of soft robots’ dynamics, and the extent in which these characteristics can be exploited for closed loop control. The use of deep learning and other machine learning techniques will be considered within the discussed control framework to deal with uncertainties inherit in the control problem. The scientific and theoretical innovation of the PhD are expected to be extremely relevant to many application areas – as agrifood, healthcare, exploration, Industry 4.0, just to cite a few.

Department
The main focus of the Cognitive Robotics department is the development of intelligent robots and vehicles that will advance mobility, productivity and quality of life. Our mission is to bring robotic solutions to human-inhabited environments, focusing on research in the areas of machine perception, motion planning and control, machine learning, automatic control and physical interaction of intelligent machines with humans. We combine fundamental research with work on physical demonstrators in areas such as self-driving vehicles, collaborative industrial robots, mobile manipulators and haptic interfaces. Strong collaborations exist with cross-faculty institutes TU Delft Robotics Institute and TU Delft Transport Institute), our national robotic ecosystem (RoboValley, Holland Robotics) and international industry and academia.

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The candidate has a very good MSc degree in systems and control, mechanical engineering, applied mathematics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field. The candidate must have strong analytical skills and must be interested in working at the intersection of several research domains. A very good command of the English language is required, as well as excellent communication skills, and teamwork attitude.

Candidates having an in-depth knowledge of at least two among of the following are especially encouraged to apply:

• Control theory
• Continuum Mechanics
• Robotics
• Machine Learning (especially Deep Learning)
• Differential Geometry.

This is however not a necessary condition for applying.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? This video will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.