Postdoc in the Deep Co-intelligent Architecture research group

Group Introduction

The Deep Co-intelligent Architecture research group at the Institute of Future Human Habitats led by Assist. Prof. Peter Búš focuses on research in advanced design computation and digital fabrication strategies for architectural scenarios engaging human and artificial intelligence. It develops design-to-production workflows where human intelligence and technology are linked to generate spatially unique scenarios, production-efficient building processes, and effective architectural solutions for human habitats. The ongoing research employs robotic technologies as a part of the production workflow for co-intelligent assembly methods driven by human intelligence and AI, encompassing a kit of parts and discrete components for adaptive spatial scenarios or craftsmanship.

Research task and job description

The research will focus on developing a custom-built cable-driven robotic system (6 to 8-DOF larger-scale platform) and particular end-effectors for flexible construction methods and strategies integrating custom design of kit-of-parts and discrete components for adaptive assembly systems. The robot will be operating with smaller-scale components, possibly to be scaled up. The system will integrate an industrial modular structure as an exoskeleton and robotic components with the operational control unit to drive and program the moveable parts. The platform will be developed as an open framework allowing scalability for additional interaction with human users/designers/builders and cooperation with industrial collaborative robots and/or independent customized construction robotics as moveable and flexible building blocks. The cable-driven system will also be linked with a mixed-reality user interface, allowing intelligent and safe control of building scenarios. The task includes designing, prototyping, and building a platform, its performance analyses, and optimization. Communicate with internal and external experts and suppliers, as well as reporting and publication activities.

If applicable, communicate with internal and external experts, manufacturers, and suppliers. 

Report on a weekly or bi-weekly basis on the progress of the platform development, analysis, and optimization. 

Communication with colleagues with different backgrounds and expertise (architecture, computational design, computer science, digital fabrication). 

Deliverability of the platform as a physical prototype, custom build small pre-prototypes, ability to program, simulate, and deliver the production tasks, publishing activities (conference attendances, symposia, journal articles, patents development, exhibitions, if applicable).

Expected Qualifications
1. 具有博士学位，品学兼优，身体健康，年龄在35周岁以下，获得博士学位的年限一般不超过3年；
2. Experience with cable-driven parallel robotic systems (CDPRs) and their programming and prototyping;
3. Prototyping experience of a robot based on modular industrial robotic components (magnifiers, motors, supplies in a multi-sensorial setup, winches, swiveling sheave assemblies);
4. Experience in building customized end-effectors (EE) and mechanical programmable moveable parts related to EE;
5. Expertise in programming in the field of mechatronic engineering/kinematic vs static algorithms development/control user interfaces/AI (C++, Python, ROS, C#, Unity ML-Agents or similar frameworks);
6. Deep reinforcement learning applications in robotics research experience;
7. PhD in robotics/mechanical engineering/ mechatronic engineering/manufacture and automation/computer science with a focus on AI and robotics;
8. Experience with Rhino/Grasshopper programming interface and GH components development is an advantage;
9. Active English, Chinese language is a big advantage.

Treatment
1. The salary treatment is determined according to relevant regulations of Tsinghua University Shenzhen International Graduate School and Shenzhen Government;
2. The basic annual salary of a Post-doctor is 120000 yuan, and they participate in social insurance and housing accumulation funds in accordance with relevant regulations. Those who pass the opening and mid-term examination can receive a living allowance of 180000 yuan/year of the Shenzhen Government (the subsidy period does not exceed 2 years), and those who have no house property in Shenzhen can enjoy a rental allowance of 2800 yuan/month;
3. SIGS provides each postdoctoral 20000 yuan scientific research subsidy;
4. Post-doctor who has gotten "Shuimu Scholar" of Tsinghua University can receive an additional subsidy of 60000 yuan/year during the station (subject to the resolution of the Remuneration Committee);
5. During the station, post-doctor can apply for the China Postdoctoral Science Fund and other national, provincial, and municipal scientific research projects according to relevant regulations;
6. Post-doctor who chooses to stay in Shenzhen for scientific research and has signed a labor (employment) contract with companies in Shenzhen for more than 3 years can apply for Shenzhen post-doctoral research support (100000 yuan/year, a total of 3 years);
7. Post-doctors who are identified as high-level talents in Shenzhen can apply for talent subsidies according to regulations.

*Above remuneration should be subject to the latest policies of Shenzhen.

Recruitment material
CV, list of publications, and any portfolio/documentation documenting the previous experience working with robots (video, pictures, links).

Please send the recruitment materials here:
email: peter_bus@sz.tsinghua.edu.cn
Wechat: Peter_Bus
Phone number: +86 131 687 08 107 (only English)