The Opportunity: Expert Research Scientist on Polyfunctional Robot Control
Are you a brilliant researcher fascinated by the intricate mechanisms of motor learning, adaptive control, and predictive movement? Do you envision polyfunctional robots executing complex tasks with human-like dexterity and balance, even in unforeseen circumstances?
We are seeking an outstanding and highly innovative Expert Research Scientist on Polyfunctional Robot Control to join our core research team. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in the research, design, development, and deployment of cutting-edge control algorithms and architectures for our next generation polyfunctional robots. This is about ensuring that our robots can execute complex maneuvers, interact safely with their surroundings, and adapt to unforeseen challenges, bringing theoretical control concepts into real-world, high-performance robotic applications.
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What You Will Do:
- Lead Advanced Control R&D: Drive cutting-edge research in robust and adaptive control algorithms and architectures for polyfunctional robots in industrial environments.
- Design & Implement Core Control Strategies: Develop and implement advanced algorithmic motion, force/impedance, and robust/optimal control techniques (e.g., Task-Space, Joint-Space, WBC).
- Integrate Learning & Adaptability: Research and apply adaptive control, reinforcement learning, and other learning methods for skill acquisition and autonomous improvement.
- Real-time Control System Design: Architect real-time control systems, considering computational constraints, communication latencies, and sensor feedback for high-performance and stable robot operation.
- Model-Based Control: Develop and utilize accurate dynamic robot models for simulation, control design, and state estimation.
- Safety-Critical Control: Design and implement control strategies for safe human-robot interaction, collision avoidance, and anomaly detection, including human-robot collaboration (e.g., shared autonomy, compliant interaction).
- Performance Evaluation & Validation: Rigorously evaluate control algorithms through simulation, HIL testing, and experiments on physical robots, analyzing stability, robustness, and performance. Utilize advanced simulation and digital twin technologies for rapid prototyping, testing, and validation.
- Collaboration & Documentation: Integrate control solutions with mechatronics, embedded systems, and AI/perception teams. Document research, algorithms, code, and results. This includes
o Collaborating with Embedded Systems Engineers for efficient, real-time algorithm execution and providing clear computational, real-time, and communication interface requirements.
o Working with Mechatronics System Engineers to understand robot kinematics, dynamics, and actuator capabilities for optimal control design.
o Collaborating with Perception & AI Researchers to leverage advanced perception data for intelligent control and learning, and to effectively utilize perception outputs for advanced control tasks and intelligent behaviors.
o Interfacing with System Integration Engineers for seamless control module integration, system-level testing, performance tuning, and validation/certification of overall system safety.
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What We Are Looking For:
- Education: Master or Ph.D. in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field with a specialization in Robot Control.
- Experience: Proven track record in developing and implementing advanced control algorithms for complex robotic systems, with a strong preference for experience with legged robots or high-DOF manipulators.
- Technical Expertise:
o Robot Kinematics & Dynamics: Deep theoretical and practical understanding of robot kinematics (forward/inverse kinematics) and dynamics (forward/inverse dynamics).
o Advanced Control Techniques: Expertise in advanced control techniques such as Whole-Body Control (WBC), Model Predictive Control (MPC), impedance control, force control, and optimal control.
o Numerical Optimization: Proficiency in numerical optimization methods, particularly quadratic programming (QP) solvers.
o Programming & Real-time Systems: Strong programming skills in C++ (essential) and Python, with experience in real-time operating systems (RTOS) and Linux environments.
o Robotics Middleware: Experience with robotics middleware (e.g., ROS/ROS 2).
- Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to tackle complex, open-ended research challenges.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of presenting complex technical concepts clearly and collaborating effectively in a team environment.
- Passion: A deep passion for polyfunctional robotics, motor control, and the fascinating mechanisms of biological movement.
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Bonus Points If You Have:
- Experience with specific polyfunctional robot platforms (e.g., Digit, Atlas, Valkyrie, Unitree H1, etc.).
- Familiarity with simulation tools like MuJoCo, Gazebo, or Isaac Sim.
- Experience with sensor fusion techniques (e.g., Kalman Filters, Extended Kalman Filters).
- Knowledge of machine learning, especially reinforcement learning for control, is a plus.
- Experience with safety-critical control systems.
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Why Join Us?
- Impact: Be a foundational contributor to a project that will enable polyfunctional robots to perform complex physical tasks with unprecedented skill and agility.
- Innovation: Work on truly novel problems at the intersection of neuroscience, control theory, and advanced robotics.
- Resources: Access to state-of-the-art computing infrastructure, advanced polyfunctional robot platforms, and a dedicated team of experts.
- Culture: A collaborative, intellectually stimulating, and supportive environment where your ideas are valued and encouraged.
- Growth: Opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and career advancement in a rapidly evolving and high-impact field.
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Ready to give our polyfunctional robots the gift of exquisite movement and adaptation?
If you are a pioneering researcher eager to make a profound impact on the future of embodied AI and robotics, we encourage you to apply! Please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your research interests and relevant experience, and links to your publications or research portfolio.
