[Comp-neuro] Research Associate Position in Biomimetic Control

Research Associate in Biomimetic Control

 

Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, UK

 

A full-time fixed-term research post is available from 3 January 2012 with an end date of 31 December 2014 to develop biomimetic algorithms for movement control in the next generation of soft-smart robots. Artificial muscles and soft-smart materials are emerging technologies which are set to have a huge impact on the future of robotics. Together with teams from Bristol Robotics Laboratory and Bristol University we are developing a whisking robot rat that can respond appropriately to novel stimuli detected by both tactile and visual sensors. Our aim is to emulate the flexibility, modularity and robustness of biological systems, and since the cerebellum is the brain structure essential for fine-tuning human performance in sensory and motor tasks, we will exploit known features of cerebellar organisation, in particular the ‘cerebellar chip’ architecture to develop new bio-inspired sensory-motor control algorithms.

 

The post-holder will assist in the development and implementation of these algorithms on the whisking robot. There will be opportunities to visit our partners in Bristol and also to collaborate with neuroscientists and roboticists to help gain a deeper understanding of the function of the cerebellum. This research has promising future applications in both general robotics and more specific areas such as biomimetic robotics for health care and prosthetics.

 

For all on-line application system queries and support, contact: e-Recruitment@sheffield.ac.uk .

 

For informal enquiries about this job and department contact: Dr John Porrill on

j.porrill@sheffield.ac.uk or +44-114-2226557