Job offer

Le Laboratoire d'Informatique, de Robotique et de Microélectronique de Montpellier (LIRMM) is a joint research unit affiliated with the University of Montpellier and the CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research). LIRMM's research activities focus on information, communication, and systems sciences and technologies. The candidate will be based at LIRMM, but may be required to work in partner laboratories in France.

We are seeking a motivated PhD student to work on a PEPR project aimed at integrating neuroscientific models of human behavior to develop a human-aware robotic controller. This controller will be able to adapt the robot's behavior to optimize user comfort.

Activities The project will finalize the computer model currently under development, which explains the human perception of anxiety related to injuries near machines, and develop a robotic controller based on this model.

• The candidate will develop human-robot interaction scenarios in virtual reality (VR) with the help of collaborating teams.
• We will invite human participants to interact in these VR scenarios and collect behavioral data to refine the human perception model.
• The candidate will then integrate this model to develop a robotic controller.
• The robotic controller will be adapted and tested on a mobile robot and a manipulator.

The candidate must have a background in electrical or mechanical engineering or computer science.

• Prior experience in robotic control is required.
• Prior experience in one or more areas of virtual reality programming (Unity), machine learning, human-computer interaction experiment design, and data collection will be an asset.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required.