PhD Position: Energy-Aware Modular Robots at TU Darmstadt

TU Darmstadt stands for excellent and relevant science. We are playing a decisive role in shaping far-reaching processes of global change—from energy transition to artificial intelligence—through outstanding scientific knowledge and innovative academic programmes. We group our cutting-edge research into three fields: Energy and Environment, Information and Intelligence, Matter and Materials. We are a university with strong ties to the Frankfurt Rhine-Main metropolitan region and a very strong international focus. We are committed to European values and European integration.

Resilient Cyber-Physical Systems (RCPS) is a new research group founded by Prof. Roderich Gross at the Department of Computer Science. It conducts foundational research into information processing of distributed robotics systems. The components of these systems can be loosely coupled, as in robot swarms. But they can also be tightly coupled, as in shape-changing modular robots. We seek to invent new concepts and methods for crafting, deploying and analyzing robots at scale, and study how they can best support humans. Natural systems (e.g. colonies of social insects and groups of mammals) may serve as models, offering high autonomy, adaptability, and resilience. By transferring these attributes to robotic systems, we expect to increase their acceptance and usefulness, and contribute to responsible innovations that help fulfil societal needs. By testing novel theories, we also seek to deepen the understanding of natural systems.

You will join an outstanding research environment. The Department of Computer Science at TU Darmstadt regularly ranks among the top German universities. The RCPS group is part of the Robotics Institute Germany and emergenCITY: Emergency Responsive Digital Cities and works in close cooperation with the Natural Robotics Lab at the University of Sheffield, as well as other international research groups.

You will study modular robots that can autonomously adapt their shape (see https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43154-023-00106-y). The robots should learn to prioritize shapes that meet the physicals demands of their tasks. The robots’ energy consumption should be considered too. As part of a team working for Robotics Institute Germany (2024 – 2028), you will also investigate novel laboratory and field environments to evaluate distributed robot platforms (including modular robots) in indoor and outdoor scenarios.
Your tasks include

• Conduct research on energy- and force-aware modular robotics. This could involve theoretical work such as crafting and analyzing algorithms for module coordination as well as practical work such as constructing physical prototypes of modular robots (aided by technical staff within our group)
• Collaborate with a team to build up a research infrastructure for innovative experiments in modular and distributed robotics (e.g. modular platforms floating in water bodies; a fleet of 100 rovers in a city park), supporting a variety of user groups
• Validate your approach in simulated and real-world experiments
• Analyze your findings, and publish/present them at leading international conferences such as Robotics: Science and Systems (RSS), International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), International Conference on Autonomous Agents and Multi-Agent Systems (AAMAS), and Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS)
• Contribute to a creative and inclusive working environment
• Participate in teaching activities, for example, supporting tutorials and practical labs in Distributed Robotics, as well as overseeing BSc/MSc projects related to your topic

You have

• A completed University Science Degree (e.g. MEng, MSc, Diplom) with a very good degree (or proof of a degree by the recruitment date) in a program of study related to robotics (e.g. mathematics, physics, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanics, mechatronics, applied sciences)
• Research experience e.g. UG/MSc project, research internship or similar
• Good communication skills in English (both oral and written)
• Ability to work in teams, analytical way of thinking, being creative, curious, and open to working across subject areas

Ideally you offer

• Experience formulating and analyzing advanced mathematical problems
• Experience building robots or other embedded devices (e.g. using CAD, CAM, PCB software)
• Experience with programming (e.g. C++, Python)
• Research experience related to robots (e.g. modular, terrestrial, aquatic)

Technical University of Darmstadt offers varied and challenging assignments, freedom to work independently, the latest technologies, good collaboration between colleagues in partnership, needs-based training opportunities and customised personnel development.

Opportunity for further qualification (doctoral dissertation) is given. The fulfillment of the duties likewise enables the scientific qualifications of the candidate.

• Development and organisation – comprehensive in-house training offers, including the opportunity for continuing education and development;
• Annual leave/educational leave – 30 days annual leave (full-time employment) and 5 days educational leave;
• Sustainable and mobile – eligibility to free public transport in the state of Hesse with the LandesTicket Hessen (Hesse StateTicket) in accordance with the currently valid collective agreement, in addition to opportunities to working mobile at times;
• Fit and healthy – free of charge preventive medical check-ups and a wide-ranging subsidised sports programme
• Work-life balance – flexible working time models, plus BGM (Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement – University Health Management);
• Pension scheme – supplementary public service pension scheme (VBL) in accordance with the currently applicable regulations;
• University bicycle
• Family-friendliness/compatibility of family/care/career – (university-run) childcare services, child allowance (based on the collective agreement), childcare programmes during school holidays

TU Darmstadt intends to increase the number of female employees and encourages female candidates to apply. In case of equal qualifications, applicants with a degree of disability of at least 50 or equal will be given preference. Remuneration is in accordance with the collective agreement for the Technical University of Darmstadt (TV – TU Darmstadt). Part-time employment is generally possible.

By submitting your application, you agree that your data may be stored and processed for the purpose of filling the vacancy. You can find our privacy policy on our webpage.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Prof. Dr. Roderich Groß on +49 6151 16 25711 or roderich.gross@tu-darmstadt.de .

Your application should contain the following documents:

• CV
• Certificates and transcripts from your Bachelor / Master / Diploma studies including grades
• A letter of motivation, explaining what you would bring to and your interest in this position
• An example paper or technical report (e.g. from your studies) if available