The Faculty of Engineering Sciences of KU Leuven University
(Belgium) has an opening for a fully funded PhD position with a research theme
that relates to the emerging practice of robotic architecture, robotic
fabrication, robots in architecture. Its research requires the
cross-disciplinary synthesis of knowledge from architectural design,
human-computer interaction and robotics. The overall aim is to develop new
kinds of interfaces that facilitate the iterative design of true-size, physical
objects of architectural elements via interactive robotic actuation. More
specifically, we will create new “human-prototype” interfaces that are embodied
via the physical prototype itself, rather than using the common approach of 3D
modeling and/or virtual simulation.
PHD POSITION: INTERACTIVE ROBOTIC ARCHITECTURE
The research unit of prof. Vande Moere of the Department of
Architecture adapts a research-oriented approach to investigate the new
opportunities of emerging technologies. The research has focused on themes
related to visualisation design, interaction design, physicalisation, media
architecture, urban informatics, and digital fabrication.
The research group of prof. Bruyninckx focuses on: 1/ specification and control of complex, multi-robot tasks; 2/ online estimation and decision making for "force" based robots; 3/ new robotics software platforms in open source
The research group of prof. Bruyninckx focuses on: 1/ specification and control of complex, multi-robot tasks; 2/ online estimation and decision making for "force" based robots; 3/ new robotics software platforms in open source
Project
The Faculty of Engineering Sciences of KU Leuven university
(Belgium) has an opening for a fully funded PhD position related to the
emerging practice of architectural robotics / robotic architecture / robots in
architecture. The overall aim requires cross-disciplinary knowledge from architectural
design, human-computer interaction and robotics.
The research consists of developing new kinds of interfaces that facilitate the iterative design of true-size, physical objects of architectural elements via interactive robotic actuation. More specifically, we will create human-robot interfaces that are embodied via the physical prototype itself, rather than using the common approach of 3D virtual modeling and simulation.
The position will involve a variety of tasks: the development of digitally mediated interfaces, the fabrication of demonstrators of architectural scale and the deployment of case-driven evaluation studies, all alongside collaborating with relevant industrial partners. The applicant will also be expected to help in the teaching of related units.
The research consists of developing new kinds of interfaces that facilitate the iterative design of true-size, physical objects of architectural elements via interactive robotic actuation. More specifically, we will create human-robot interfaces that are embodied via the physical prototype itself, rather than using the common approach of 3D virtual modeling and simulation.
The position will involve a variety of tasks: the development of digitally mediated interfaces, the fabrication of demonstrators of architectural scale and the deployment of case-driven evaluation studies, all alongside collaborating with relevant industrial partners. The applicant will also be expected to help in the teaching of related units.
Profile
The position will be suitable for someone with experience on
the technical aspects of one or more of the following areas, or demonstrate the
ability to acquire sufficient skills in all these areas:
- human-computer interaction (HCI) (e.g. tangible, embedded and embodied interaction);
- digital or robotic fabrication;
- computer science (e.g. computer vision, machine learning, robotics);
- design science (e.g. architecture, parametric design, 3D modelling).
The student should have sufficient academic achievements to be accepted as a PhD student at the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School of the Faculty of Engineering Sciences.
- human-computer interaction (HCI) (e.g. tangible, embedded and embodied interaction);
- digital or robotic fabrication;
- computer science (e.g. computer vision, machine learning, robotics);
- design science (e.g. architecture, parametric design, 3D modelling).
The student should have sufficient academic achievements to be accepted as a PhD student at the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School of the Faculty of Engineering Sciences.
Offer
The project is a joint, interdisciplinary initiative of the
research group Research[x]Design (prof. Andrew Vande Moere, Department of
Architecture) and the Department of Mechanical Engineering (prof. Herman
Bruyninckx) at KU Leuven.
Short-listed candidates will be asked to fulfil concise assignments to test their proficiency.
For additional and/or informal information, please contact prof. Andrew Vande Moere.
Key facts:
- Duration of the scholarship: 2 x 24 months, with probation period.
- Expected start date: 01 November 2017 or soon after (*)
- Expected closing date for applications: 11 September 2017 or after a suitable candidate has been found(*)
(*) please contact us if specific deadlines exist.
Short-listed candidates will be asked to fulfil concise assignments to test their proficiency.
For additional and/or informal information, please contact prof. Andrew Vande Moere.
Key facts:
- Duration of the scholarship: 2 x 24 months, with probation period.
- Expected start date: 01 November 2017 or soon after (*)
- Expected closing date for applications: 11 September 2017 or after a suitable candidate has been found(*)
(*) please contact us if specific deadlines exist.
Interested?
For more information please contact prof. dr. ir. arch.
Andrew Vande Moere, tel.: +32 16 32 13 62, mail: andrew.vandemoere@kuleuven.be
or prof. dr. ir. Herman Bruyninckx, tel.: +32 16 32 80 56, mail:
herman.bruyninckx@kuleuven.be.
You can apply for this job no later than September 11, 2017
via the
