Ph.D. positions on collaborative mobile robots with physical human-robot interaction

The SAIMA Lab, a joined research laboratory between the University of Bologna and the STIIMA Institute of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), is seeking talented doctoral students to work on the development and validation of collaborative mobile robots with physical human-robot interaction.

The positions are funded by the Italian National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL) and the work is in partnership with robot integrators and end-user companies.

The considered systems and applications are:

1. A hand-guided mobile robot manipulator for the fabrication and assembly of exterior body parts of hypercars, and for the disassembly of electric vehicles battery packs;
2. An active robot exoskeleton for the handling of loads in the metal and construction industries.

The considered robots are electrically powered with redundant actuators and are equipped with a multitude of sensors (force/torque load cells, IMUs, TOF depth cameras, LIDAR, etc.) to control the kinematic and kinetic interaction with the operators, as well as physiological sensors assessing operator effort and fatigue (both physical and mental) to ensure safety.

The work to be done comprises: component selection and testing, system integration, control development, and system validation in the laboratory and in a relevant environment.

The new P.h.D. students will join a multidisciplinary and multicultural research environment working in collaboration with other 10 P.h.D. students and research fellows that are already working on related topics.

Duration of the PhD is 3 years, which includes a mandatory period of no less than 3 months to be spent in a research institute abroad.

Work location: Bologna, Italy.

Required degree: M.Sc. in Automation, Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Computer Science or related field.

Required language: English.

Start date of the PhD: 01/11/2023 (earlier start of the activity with a paid research apprenticeship is possible).

Candidatures are accepted till 09/06/2020 (the earlier the better).

To apply for the position, please email a CV, cover letter, university transcript, and list of two references.

For info and to apply please send a message to rocco.vertechy@unibo.it