PhD position in Human-robot aware planning and acting

Current HRC workspaces stay far behind their theoretical potential, manifesting in high idle times, slow motions, fixed conservative priorities, etc. The PhD student shall explore how to tap into that potential by endowing the robot with sliding autonomy modes for different HRC settings (e.g., collaboration, cooperation, teaching, teleoperation, failure handling). The modes with high autonomy and close interaction require careful planning, scheduling, and monitoring to satisfy task and safety constraints. A key challenge here is when and how to change between different levels of autonomy without jeopardizing safety and efficiency. Automated planning for such dynamic situations requires original research. Reactive and robust task execution technologies such as behavior trees are particularly interesting. The PhD student will work in a team of other skilled PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.

We seek a motivated PhD candidate with a master's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field with a strong interest in robotics, artificial intelligence, or human-robot interaction. We expect the candidates to perform excellent research, become part of the world's research communities in your field, and publish in first-tier scientific conferences and journals. This requires critical thinking, creativity, and excellent communication skills in English. The work requires developing code in a Unix environment with Python and/or C++. Experience with ROS, automated planning, Python AI frameworks, and scientific computing is a plus.

We offer the opportunity to do scientifically challenging research on a fully funded position (1-year contract with the possibility of an extension of up to 4 years), including full social and health insurance. Work with an experienced international team and lab with several HRC workspaces within the CIIRC CTU in Prague. Live in one of the top cities to live in (cf. Time Out Magazine index for 2022). The Dejvice Campus features a range of student amenities, such as the National Library of Technology, and a laid-back atmosphere with cafes and other social hangout places. Other benefits include a competitive salary, 30 days paid leave, and a family-friendly environment (Children’s corner, kindergarten, and elementary school operated by the Czech Technical University in Prague).

The cooperations with Delft University (Dr. J.Kober) and Manchester university (Dr. M.Mansouri) are planned.