EngD on AI-robotic integration for arm assistance in home settings
Do you want to develop innovative healthcare technology that directly improves people’s lives with international partners? Are you excited about combining artificial intelligence, robotics, and user-centred design to address real-world challenges? Then this EngD position at the University of Twente could be the opportunity you are looking for
SAISaAR-bot. Supporting AI-based system for autonomous use of the iFLOAT robotic arm for assistance and rehabilitation in home settings.
SAISaAR-bot, is a Vanguard Vinnovate project that builds collaboration between two European Regions (East Netherlands, The Netherlands, and Emilia-Romagna, Italy).
Healthcare systems across Europe are facing growing challenges due to ageing populations, increasing demand for care, and shortages of healthcare professionals. Assistive technologies can play a key role in enabling people to remain independent for longer and reducing pressure on care providers. In this EngD project, you will contribute to the development of a next-generation assistive system that combines robotics and artificial intelligence to support people in their daily lives. Working together with academic, clinical, and industrial partners, you will help bring innovative technology closer to practical implementation in home-care environments.
Your Challenge
The project focuses on the further development of the iFLOAT, an innovative upper-limb support system developed by Assistive Innovations. Currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, the system has demonstrated its potential to support people with limited arm and shoulder function.
Your task will be to explore and develop an AI-enhanced Human-Machine Interface (HMI) that enables a more intuitive and adaptive use of the system in home settings. The goal is to create a supportive solution that can adapt to changing user needs and assist with activities of daily living and provide additional control of the active layer.
Working closely with end users, clinicians, academics, and industrial partners, you will contribute to the design, testing, and validation of a solution that combines technical innovation with practical usability.
Your Environment
This project brings together expertise from two leading European MedTech regions: East Netherlands (The Netherlands) and Emilia-Romagna (Italy). You will work within an international consortium consisting of:
· University of Twente
· Assistive Innovations B.V. (<https://www.assistive-innovations.com/>)
· Re:Lab s.r.l. (<https://www.re-lab.it/>)
· Stichting Revalidatiecentrum Roessingh (<https://www.roessingh.nl/>)
The collaboration offers a unique opportunity to work across academia, healthcare, and industry while developing solutions with a clear societal impact.
What You Will Do
As an EngD candidate, you will focus on translating knowledge into practical technological solutions. Your activities may include:
· Designing and developing AI-supported human-machine interaction concepts.
· Integrating emerging technologies into assistive robotic systems.
· Working with patients and healthcare professionals to identify user needs and validate solutions.
· Developing and testing prototypes in collaboration with industrial partners.
· Evaluating usability, functionality, and implementation potential.
· Contributing to the demonstration of a technology solution that advances the iFLOAT system from a TRL 6 to 7.
Why the University of Twente?
At the University of Twente, technology and societal impact go hand in hand. You will join a dynamic and supportive community where researchers, designers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and healthcare professionals work together to solve meaningful challenges.
Our green and vibrant campus offers an inspiring working environment with excellent facilities, a strong international community, and numerous opportunities for professional and personal development. Colleagues are approachable, collaboration across disciplines is encouraged, and new ideas are valued.
You will become part of a team that combines scientific excellence in co-design and engineering with a friendly, informal atmosphere where people enjoy working together and supporting one another.
Join us in shaping the future of assistive technology and home-based care. Together, we can create solutions that increase independence, improve quality of life, and contribute to more sustainable healthcare systems.
Information and application
Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before September 11th, and include:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages of A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position.
- A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.
- An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).
For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact (Francesca Toso (UT-ET) f.toso@utwente.nl and/or Kostantinos Nizamis (UT-ET) k.nizamis@utwente.nl
The first (online) jobinterviews are scheduled for September 29, October 1 and October 2.
Screening is part of the procedure
About the organisation
At the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we work on engineering for impact: developing smart, sustainable, human-centred and technological solutions for societal challenges. We connect fundamental education, research and practice across five core domains: Asset & Maintenance engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalised Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy and Resources.
We work on education and research in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and industrial design engineering. Together, we learn by making, creating, and innovating, addressing challenges in a solution-oriented way. Quality, connection and inclusivity are the foundation of our culture.
In our open community, students, researchers and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners. This enables us to develop insights, applications and solutions that add value to society.
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