Advanced Robotics

The Department of Advanced Robotics at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) an English speaking language research Institute placed in Genoa, Italy, is seeking to appoint a Team Leader (corresponding to the level of Assistant Professor) that will have a key research role in the area of Control of Locomotion and Manipulation of Legged Autonomous Robots (Quadrupeds & Humanoids). We are looking for a highly motivated scientist with an outstanding background and PhD in Robotics, Control Engineering or related field and a well established publication record in two or more of the following areas:

• Dynamics and Kinematics based control of legged robots / Whole body control
• Locomotion and trajectory generation
• Motion planning for humanoids and quadrupeds
• Impedance control
• Integration of perception/vision in control & planning for legged systems

The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team working on the development of the hydraulic quadruped robot, HyQ, and cooperating with the team working on the compliant humanoid, COMAN. The candidate is expected to take a leading role and the responsibility for the control aspects of several robotic platforms. The candidate will be expected to initiate creative and innovative research programs in the areas of his expertise and needs of the Department.

Expected starting date is negotiable, but as soon as possible.

The successful candidate will be offered a contract of five years with a highly competitive salary which will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. International applications are encouraged and will receive logistic support for visa issues, etc.

For further information contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Interested applicants should submit in electronic form their CV outlining experience and qualifications, list of publications, a statement of research interests and plans, and the names of at least three referees to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , quoting TEAM LEADER HyQ in the email subject.

For consideration, apply by 31.05.2012.

In order to comply with the Italian law (art. 23 of Privacy Law of the Italian Legislative Decree n. 196/03), we have to kindly ask the candidate to give his/her consent to allow IIT to process his/her personal data.

We inform you that the information you provide will be used solely for the purpose of assessing your professional profile to meet the requirements of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia.

Your data will be processed by Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, with headquarters in Genoa, Via Morego 30, acting as the Data Holder, using computer and paper based means, observing the rules on protection of personal data, including those relating to the security of data.

Please also note that, pursuant to art.7 of Legislative Decree 196/2003, you may exercise your rights at any time as a party concerned by contacting the Data Manager.

Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks diversity in the workforce.

Post-Doc position in Novel Reconfigurable Robot End Effector for industrial applications

The Department of Advanced Robotics at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), an english speaking research institute, has a post-doc opening in the area of dexterous/reconfigurable end effector development.

The successful candidate will work on the design and development of a novel reconfigurable robot end effector within the EU project AUTORECON (Autonomous cooperative machines for highly RECONfigurable assembly operations of the future: http://www.autorecon.eu/) which is funded by the European Commission under the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7).

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented candidate who will work in the analysis, evaluation and design of a dexterous gripper for handling and manipulation of parts in varied industrial settings. The solution will rely heavily on the ability to find robust, reliable and innovative ways to manipulate different parts, and will draw on skills in fostering efficient multi-variant production and the demonstration of highly dexterous behavior. Last but not least, this gripper will interface with an innovative mobile robot architecture that will lead to enhanced reconfigurability within an industrial plant/line/cell.

The Department of Advanced Robotics (ADVR) at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT,) an English-language research institute, is looking to appoint a full time software engineer with proven experience in programming (C and C++) at a high and low level (Embedded systems).

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing software code in the area of hardware control, device driver development, communication and networking for the different robotic projects within the ADVR lab.

The successful candidate should have:

• An excellent first degree in computer science or engineering/related areas.
• At least 3-5 years of proven extensive programming experience.
• Proven development experience using C, C++, using an OOP approach both under Windows and Linux.
• Experience in multithread programming, inter-process communication and related issues.
• Proven experience in network programming (both GNU linux/Windows) and knowledge of communication network protocols such as CANopen , Ethercat or POWERLINK.
• Knowledge of one or more GUI and tools library such as Qt, wxWidgets or others will be an advantage.
• Knowledge in linux real-time programming using RTAI or Xenomai will be an advantage.
• Knowledge of linux kernel configuration and version control software (svn or git) will be an advantage.
• Ability in analysis and solution of logical problems.
• Good communication skills and ability/willingness to integrate within a multidisciplinary international research group
• A good knowledge of English will be useful but an ability to learn is acceptable.

The Department of Advanced Robotics (ADVR) at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), an English-language research institute, is looking to appoint a full time mechanical engineer with proven experience in mechanical design in robotics, automotive, aerospace or other relevant fields.

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and building mechanical components for the development of highly integrated mechatronic systems for the different robotic projects within the ADVR lab.

The ideal candidate should have:

• An excellent first degree in Mechanical Engineering or related disciplines.
• At least 2 years of experience with a proven record of practical mechanical design.
• Proficiency in using design software (primarily with Pro Engineer or other relevant) is required.
• Good communication skills and ability/willingness to integrate within a multidisciplinary international research group.
• A good knowledge of English will be useful but an ability to learn is acceptable.