Research Fellow - Haptic Dual-Arm Manipulation (Robotics)

About the role

The Schaeffler Hub for Advanced Research at NTU (SHARE at NTU) is looking for a Research Fellow to carry out applied research with transferable outcomes in haptic dual-arm manipulation, aligned with the project deliverables of the SHARE at NTU programme. The role focuses on haptic SLAM for dual-arm manipulation and planning contact-rich manipulation tasks with dual-arm robots.

Key responsibilities

• Develop haptic SLAM algorithms and manipulation potential models using Riemannian-geometric methods and adaptive ODE-based equilibrium computation.
• Develop DMP-based motion-planning methods and impedance-control strategies, and evaluate them in Drake or equivalent robotics simulation software.
• Implement and validate algorithms on Kinova dual-arm robotic systems through manipulation experiments, including book insertion.
• Use Haption haptic devices for data acquisition and teleoperation.
• Analyse results, document research methods and experimental procedures, and prepare technical reports and publications.

Required profile

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Control Engineering or a related field.
• At least 4 years of relevant research experience.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications in top IEEE robotics venues such as IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters (RA-L) and IROS, covering haptics, haptic SLAM, Riemannian geometry for manipulation, motion planning and impedance control.
• Good written and oral communication skills.

Required skills

• Robot programming, numerical computation and robotics simulation, including Drake or similar software.
• Hands-on experience with Kinova robotic arms, Haption haptic devices, DMP-based motion planning, impedance control, data acquisition, teleoperation and dual-arm experiments.
• Analytical thinking, research problem-solving, experimental design, technical documentation and teamwork.