PHD position in Novel “virtual therapist” control to tailor the robotic support to the person’s contribution
Are you passionate about designing innovative control algorithms for gait rehabilitation robots? Do you want to work with the latest lower extremity exoskeletons? Join our team at the department of Biomechanical Engineering.
We are offering a 4-year PhD position as part of the TAILOR project. This opportunity allows you to engage in an international and interdisciplinary network, providing numerous chances for collaboration, exchange, and the application of AI to customize robotic therapy to individual needs.
Adjusting the support provided by a robotic gait trainer to match each person’s performance is a challenging task for therapists due to the numerous parameters that need tuning and the unclear impact of these adjustments on higher-level walking goals, such as speed and stability. To alleviate this burden, we aim to develop a novel controller using model predictive control and machine learning, which will only require the therapist to set high-level goals. The controller will estimate the required torques to achieve these objectives and compare them to the estimated human contribution to the movement. Acting as a ‘virtual therapist,’ it will append only what is needed to ensure the high-level goals are met. The controllers will be implemented and evaluated on in-house exoskeletons at both institutions, as well as on the exoskeletons of our commercial partners, ABLE and Hocoma.
Information and application
Apply by January 8 2025. Applications must include the following documents:
* A cover letter (1-page max) specifying how your experience and skills match the position as well as summarizing work in your masters.
* A CV in Euorpass Format.
* Your diploma and transcript of records (BSc and MSc)
* Recommentation letters (if available)
* A 2-min video presenting yourself and stating motivation to follow a PhD in this topic (in English)
The first round of interviews will take place online on 27 January 2025. The second round of interviews will take place on 19 February 2025. The aim is to start the position on 1 April 2025.
For questions, please contact dr. Edwin van Asseldonk, mail: e.h.f.vanasseldonk@utwente.nl.
Please, only apply via the project website of TAILOR.
Here you can also find more information about the project and other positions. This PhD position is indicated with DC5 withing the project.
About the organisation
The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.
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