M/F Thesis in embodied Perception in Modular Soft Robots and interaction human-robot
Organisation/Company CNRS Department Institut Franche-Comté Electronique Mécanique Thermique et Optique – Sciences et Technologies Research Field Engineering Computer science Mathematics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 21 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 21 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
WP2 of the structuring axis “Material, Architecture, and Embodied Intelligence” (AS1) of PEPR O2R is dedicated to deformation serving motion and interaction. Its goal is, during and for the time of interaction, to explore a paradigm shift in motion generation, motion capture through proprioceptive means, and the development of interaction augmented by aesthetic and/or emotion-generating dimensions. New solutions are sought to move the robot through deformation, with embodied intelligence guiding the system not only for motion purposes but also for aesthetic and emotional considerations.
Embodied Perception in Modular Soft Robots for Affective and Social Human–Robot InteractionThis PhD project aims to create new soft robot solutions for human interaction with expressive movement capabilities and perception of their movement during interaction. To this end, we will develop:
- Sensors integrated directly within the structures of modular soft robots, to provide enhanced perception, cooperation, and communication with their environment.
- Human-robot and robot-robot interaction scenarios to test the robots and explore new forms of affective and social interaction in collaborative tasks.