PhD Student Position in Swarm Robotics at IDSIA

STARTING OCTOBER 2006, 4 years

A PhD student position is available at the Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence (IDSIA) to perform research on machine learning, swarm robotics and complex systems in the framework of the SWARMANOID project, a Future and Emerging Technologies (FET-OPEN) project funded by the European Commission. The SWARMANOID project is a follow-up of the successful Swarm-bots project.

The selected candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. Luca M. Gambardella and Dr. Gianni A. Di Caro

Project Description

The main objective of the SWARMANOID project is the design and manufacturing of a swarmanoid, an innovative robotic system made of a swarm of heterogeneous autonomous robots acting and interacting in the 3D space. Flying Eye-bots, climbing and grasping Hand-bots, and walking and transporting Foot-bots will be the robotic units of the swarm. Each unit will be designed to be autonomous and self-reconfigurable, as well as to be able to cooperate and self-assemble with the other units to perform collective tasks.

In addition to IDSIA, the project's consortium is composed of 5 research groups including: Prof. Dorigo (IRIDIA, ULB, Belgium), Prof. Mondada and Prof. Floreano (both at EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland), and Prof. Nolfi (CNR, Rome, Italy).

The PhD research work will focus on the development of control algorithms for the single robot as well as the ensemble of manufactured robotic units. A minor part of the work will also focus on implementing a realistic simulation environment for the swarmanoid using the Open Dynamics Engine.


Candidate Profile

We are looking for an excellent and highly motivated candidate with a strong interest and scientific background in: machine learning, distributed robotics, swarm intelligence and artificial intelligence. The candidate must have a MASTER degree (or equivalent). She/he is expected to have good programming and mathematical skills, and to have a positive attitude toward interdisciplinary research and teamwork.


Time Frame, Enrollment, and Salary Information

  • Expected duration of the studentship: 4 years, starting from October 2006

  • The candidate will be affiliated to the Faculty of Informatics at USI . Prof. Luca Maria Gambardella will be his/her PhD advisor. The regulations of the PhD program are available in PDF format here.

  • English is the official language both at the Faculty of Informatics of USI and at IDSIA.

  • The gross salary is roughly 38000 CHF (25000 EURO) per year (corresponding to a net salary of about 2500 CHF/month). There is travel funding in case of papers accepted at important conferences and for project meetings.


    • How to Apply

    Applications should be submitted electronically to Dr. Gianni Di Caro at the following address: gianni AT idsia DOT ch

    They must include:

  • Detailed curriculum vitae (including grades)

  • List of two references (including email addresses)

  • Statement about the research interests of the candidate, pointing out their relationship with the topics of the project (1-2 pages)

  • Links to master thesis and publications

    • Position is open until filled, but not later than September 10, 2006.
    Candidates are strongly encouraged to send their applications by August 31, 2006.