Advanced Robotics

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 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 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.

AMARSI EU PROJECT

The Department of Advanced Robotics at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), an English-language research institute, placed in Genoa, Italy, is seeking to appoint an international well motivated full-time junior/senior postdoctoral research fellow that will have a key research role on the area of mechanical design for the currently under development intrinsically compliant and variable impedance robotic platforms. We are looking for a highly motivated young scientist with a background and PhD in Robotics or Mechanical Engineering and an excellent, well established publication record on the mechanical design in one or more of the following areas:

• Compliant robots and variable impedance actuation
• Articulated legged systems with customised sensing and actuation
• Robotic articulated arms, end effectors and hand design
• Exoskeleton, assistive, or prosthesis robotic design
• Haptic devices and tactile/force sensing technologies

Proficiency in hardware design with a proven portfolio of practical developments, excellent hands-on skills and strong competences in robot Kinematics/Dynamics and physical system modelling are essential. Experience in robot control is a plus.