Two Postdoctoral Positions Open (posted Oct 2009)

The RoboBee project: Colony algorithms and design

A team of researchers at Harvard, Northeastern, and Centeye, Inc. are collaborating to create a coordinated colony of robotic bees:'RoboBees'. Inspired by the biology of a bee and the insect¢s hive behavior, the researchers aim to push advances in miniature robotics and the design of compact high-energy power sources; spur innovations in ultra-low-power computing and electronic smart sensors; and refine coordination algorithms to manage multiple, independent machines. Research topics are split between 'body', 'brain', and'colony' and we have multiple postdoctoral research positions open in these areas. A synopsis of the RoboBees project can be found on our robobees website.

One of the key areas of research is "colony" design: As with natural bees, we expect that RoboBees will coordinate to perform tasks collectively to be more effective and robust than individuals acting independantly. The RoboBee project is seeking a postdoctoralresearcher to design colony level algorithms and develop a first-round embedded testbed for testing wireless communication and sensingaspects of the robots.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in computerscience or a related field. Experience with robotics is highly preferred. Applicants should send a cover letter briefly describing their background and career plans, a CV, and the names and contact information for at least three references. The positions are open immediately (9/1/09) and are guaranteed for a year with a possible second year extension. These documents should be submitted as pdf attachments to Prof. Radhika Nagpal (rad at eecs harvard edu)

Active Soft Orthotic Project

Researchers in the Wyss Institute, Harvard's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the Harvard Medical School are teaming to develop an 'active, soft orthotic device' to be used in clinical applications for treating gait pathologies in children associated with neuromuscular disorders (such as drop-foot, spasticity, etc.). Typical treatments employ a passive mechanical brace, which can lead to additional problems such as disuse muscle atrophy and long-term orthotic dependence. By employing an 'active, soft orthotic', there is the potential to adaptively modify the orthotic stiffness and provide additional actuated assistance to promote muscle usage and rehabilitation.

This project will involve a convergence of robotics (how to design a wearable soft material with embedded actuators/sensors) and computer science/machine learning (how to design adaptive control to assist human motion). Members of the team are actively collecting data from human subjects and interacting with clinicians. The target for this postdoc position is to assist with the electromechanical development of the orthotic sleeve (building from first generation prototypes) and integrating a control system derived from models of gait control in humans. This is a key component to a multi-disciplinary project and it is expected that the successful applicant will actively fortify work between the participating labs.

Applicants should hold a PhD in electrical or mechanical engineering,or computer science. The position is open immediately (10/1/09) and is guaranteed for a year with a possible second year extension. Applicants should send a cover letter briefly describing their background and career plans, a CV, and the names and contact information for at least three references. Please clearly indicate which position you are applying for. These documents should be submitted as pdf attachments to eng_postdoc@wyss.harvard.edu.

Harvard University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and applications from women and underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged.