The Cognitive Robotic Systems at AASS

Open Positions

The following positions are currently available at the AASS Cognitive Robotic Systems Lab.

	One PhD position in Computer Science is available at the Center for Applied Autonomous Sensor Systems (AASS) of Örebro University, Sweden, on the topic of stigmergic algorithms for robots.
	Scientific topic. Stigmergy is one of the many fascinating phenomena which can be observed in nature. Stigmergy is defined in Wikipedia as: "a mechanism of indirect coordination between agents or actions, [in which] the trace left in the environment by an action stimulates the performance of a next action, by the same or a different agent". Stigmergy has important connections with robotics and computer science. By stigmergy, many simple robotic devices could, via indirect communication through the environment, exhibit a collective behavior which is significantly more complex than the individual behavior of each robot. This PhD project will study stigmergic algorithms for robotic devices. The methodology will involve a combination of theoretical and practical investigation. The theoretical investigation will be aimed at defining a robotic stigmergic system, as a function of the type of robots and of the type of stigmergic medium in which they operate; and at studying the formal properties of such a system, e.g., which global algorithms can be implemented in a distributed way through stigmergy, and what are the properties of these implementations (e.g., completeness, soundness, convergence, optimality and computational complexity). The practical investigation will be aimed at verifying the hypotheses generated by the theory through experiments performed in real, physical systems. It will employ a floor containing a regular grid of read/write RFID tags. The successful candidate will be employed as a PhD student with Örebro University for an expected duration of three years. The student is expeted to collaborate with other international research groups interested in the study of stigmergy in artificial systems. A small amount of teaching may also be part of the PhD student's duties.
	About the working place. Örebro University (www.oru.se) is a modern university currently enrolling about 18,000 students. It is located in Örebro, a city of 130,000 inhabitants situated in central Sweden. More information about Örebro can be found, for example, at www.orebro.se. The AASS Cognitive Robotic Systems Lab is one of the two research groups within the Center for Applied Autonomous Sensor Systems (AASS) at Örebro University. AASS carries out multi-disciplinary research at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer vision, computer science, and measurement technology. The research and human environment at AASS is young and enthusiastic. Researchers come from a dozen different countries, in Europe and worldwide, and have different scientific and cultural backgrounds. AASS also frequently hosts international researchers and is involved in several international projects. This means that the enrolled PhD students will have the opportunity to travel and to cooperate with people in other countries. AASS is internationally renowned for its research in cognitive robotics, therefore the selected student will be at the forefront of world research in this area.
	Tasks of the Student. The student's main task will be to perform research aimed at the completion of a PhD thesis in the above topic. A small percentage of time may also be devoted to taking courses or to teaching activities. The student is expected to take active part in the life of the AASS Cognitive Robotic Systems Lab. The student will receive a monthly salary adequate to the cost of living in Sweden (equivalent to about 2400 euro before taxes) and will be included in the Swedish social security system.
	Prerequisites. In addition to a clear interest in the above research topics, the successful applicant must have an excellent background in mathematics and computer science, and good programming skills. A Master's in computer science, computer engineering or comparable field is required. We particularly seek candidates with good knowledge of artificial intelligence and with inclinations towards cross-disciplinary research. Previous experience with robotics is a plus. Knowledge of the Swedish language is not required, but proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory.
	Application process. To apply for this position, please send the following material by e-mail to Prof. Alessandro Saffiotti (alessandro.saffiotti@aass.oru.se). a motivation letter; an updated CV; at least two academic references; a transcipt of your BS and MSc courses; an electronic copy of your MSc thesis an electronic copy of any publications you might have. Applications can be sent immediately and until January 28, 2012. Late application cannot be considered. We are looking forward to receiving your application!