Job Overview

ONE OR MORE PHD STIPENDS IN EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH IN 5G-CONNECTED ROBOTS 

At the Technical Faculty of IT and Design, Department of Electronic Systems, one or more PhD stipends in Experimental Research in 5G-Connected Robots are available within the general study programme Wireless Communications. The stipends are open for appointment from March 1, 2022, or soon as possible thereafter.  In electronics engineering, Aalborg University is known worldwide for its high academic quality and the societal relevance of its research programmes. The Department of Electronic Systems consists of more than 200 employees, of which about 40 % are international and about 90 are enrolled PhD students. The Department hosts 620 students. The Department’s excellent research infrastructures and facilities accentuate its global position in teaching and research. The Department’s research centres around communication, antennas, control systems, AI, sound, cybersecurity and robotics. The Department plays an active role in translating discoveries and results into practical applications with industrial partners and IPR. The Department provides teaching for several BSc and MSc programmes using a problem- and project-based learning model.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The fourth industrial revolution – or Industry 4.0 (I4.0), will introduce major shifts in the way that products will be manufactured in the future. By integrating different Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), Industrial Internet-of-Things (IIoT) technologies and cloud computing; the factories of the future will be equipped with highly flexible manufacturing equipment also offering a high reliability, thereby increasing the overall production output and cost efficiency. Within this context, the PhD study will focus on the design and development of 5G-enabled autonomous mobile robotic systems (5G AMR-S), based on the integration of three main technologies: 1) 5G Edge-Cloud, 2) autonomous mobile robots and robotic manipulators, and 3) Digital Twin. The resulting system will connect shop-floor assists (e.g., AMRs, robotic manipulators, forklifts, production lines, humans) to an edge-cloud platform by means of 5G technology. Vendor-specific fleet management systems will be implemented on the edge cloud, controlling a set of associated mobile robots. On-top, an inter-fleet management system will be integrated which coordinates the different fleets and forms an interface to the overall business systems (ERP, MES, WMS). To support the coordination of multiple robots (from the same as well as different vendors) a digital twin will be implemented. Based on real-time data from the shop-floor, this will constantly update a dynamic “common world map” which can be accessed by the fleet managers to prevent collision and optimize robot usage.

The PhD study is anticipated to cover the following aspects:

1) Design and analysis of communication requirements for novel 5G AMR-S, including definition and specification of wireless control interfaces, and interaction with Digital Twins.

2) Network deployments with sub-6GHz and/or mmWave usage will be in focus, including edge-cloud and optimization of communication flows.

3) Design and development of 5G AMR-S prototypes for experimentation and proof-of-concepts.

4) System level performance assessments and optimizations in operational real-world conditions.

5) The PhD study will be conducted as part of the research collaboration that AAU runs with multiple industrial partners at the AAU 5G Smart Production Lab.

Desirable candidate attributes:

• Knowledge and experience with wireless access networks, with solid understanding of 5G NR and Wi-Fi
• Knowledge and experience with operational industrial equipment such as PLCs, sensors, robotic elements
• Experience with operational wireless communication networks and equipment and performance analysis
• Good software programming skills (MATLAB, C++, Linux, Python).
• Analytical and experimental skills, including abilities to address complicated problems, division of those into manageable sub-problems, and related problem-solving skills
• Creative mindset and curiosity to research and develop new solutions
• A high level of written and spoken English

You may obtain further information from Professor Preben Mogensen, Department of Electronic Systems, phone: +45 9940 8658, email: pm@es.aau.dk , concerning the scientific aspects of the stipend

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master’s degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Shortlisting will be applied. This means that subsequent to the deadline for applications the head of department supported by the chair of the assessment committee will select candidates for assessment. All applicants will be informed whether they will be assessed or not.

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure contact Ms. Lisbeth Diinhoff , The Doctoral School at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design, email: ld@adm.aau.dk, phone: +45 9940 9589.

For more information of The Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design: www.phd.tech.aau.dk

The application is only to be submitted online by using the “Apply online” button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

AGREEMENT

Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of 28 June 2019 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the current Circular of 11 December 2019 on the employment structure at Danish universities.

How to Apply