- Vacancy Reference Number
- Neuroscientist - Haptics
- Closing Date
- 28 Feb 2025
- Salary
- Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.
- Address
- Wolverhampton, England, United Kingdom
- Duration
- March 2025 (starts)
Neuroscientist - Haptics (Touch & Object Manipulation)
What is AUTMAN Robotics about?
AUTMAN Robotics is at the forefront of revolutionising industrial automation, inspired by the elegance of human touch and the extraordinary capabilities of fine motor manipulation. Humans perform complex object interactions—gripping, sliding, pivoting, and stabilising—with natural precision, yet these actions remain a technological frontier in robotics.
Our mission is to decode the principles of human touch and motion, transforming them into robotic systems that can handle objects with intelligence and adaptability. By bridging neuroscience and engineering, AUTMAN Robotics aims to fill the critical gaps in robotics, creating solutions that bring machines closer to human dexterity and adaptability.
This role is not about incremental progress; it is about reimagining robotics through the lens of human capability.
Skillset Definition
This position requires a unique combination of neuroscience expertise and translational thinking to address the deep challenges of touch and object manipulation in robotics.
The ideal candidate is:
An Innovator: Someone who can analyse and abstract the complexities of human touch and fine motor control into actionable insights for robotics.
A Translator: Capable of bridging the gap between neuroscience and robotic engineering, creating systems that mimic human adaptability.
A Problem-Solver: Equipped with the vision to identify the technological gaps in haptics and address them with bold, foundational solutions.
Evaluation Criteria
Inspired by Human Touch:
This role demands a profound understanding of the mechanisms that make human touch and manipulation so effective, including:
Neural encoding of tactile information, such as pressure, texture, and vibration.
The biomechanics of slip, sliding, pivoting, and adaptive grip adjustments.
Integration of sensory and motor pathways to achieve precision and fluidity in manipulation.
Decoding Technological Gaps:
Robotic systems struggle with touch and adaptive manipulation. The role focuses on identifying and addressing these gaps, such as:
The absence of real-time tactile feedback in robotic systems.
Challenges in replicating the human ability to adapt to varying object shapes, weights, and textures.
Limitations in current gripper designs and control systems for delicate or complex tasks.
Translational Research:
The role requires bridging fundamental research with application by:
Designing robotic systems that incorporate tactile sensing and feedback.
Developing algorithms that enable real-time decision-making during object interaction.
Collaborating with engineers to prototype and refine haptic-enabled grippers and robotic arms.
Visionary Problem-Solving:
Rethinking robotics to go beyond tool integration, creating solutions that align with the principles of human touch.
A passion for addressing unsolved challenges and pushing boundaries in haptic robotics.
Key Responsibilities
Human-Inspired Research:
Study and model human touch and fine motor manipulation, focusing on tactile feedback, object dynamics, and adaptive control.
Algorithm Development:
Design and implement algorithms that enable robotic systems to replicate human-like object manipulation, such as grip adjustments, slip prevention, and texture recognition.
Sensor and Gripper Integration:
Work with hardware engineers to design high-resolution tactile sensors and innovative gripper systems that replicate the capabilities of human fingers.
Prototyping and Testing:
Develop and test robotic systems that integrate haptic feedback and adaptive manipulation, ensuring robust performance across varied tasks and environments.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration:
Collaborate with teams across neuroscience, robotics, AI, and hardware to create cohesive, innovative solutions.
Career Path and Growth
This role is not just about contributing to existing robotics—it’s about defining the future of human-inspired automation. At AUTMAN Robotics, you will:
Lead Innovation: Become a pioneer in developing robotic systems that replicate human touch and manipulation.
Shape the Industry: Address foundational gaps in robotics, influencing the direction of automation technology.
Expand Expertise: Grow at the intersection of neuroscience, haptics, AI, and engineering, contributing to breakthroughs in all these fields.
Build Legacy: Be part of a team creating technologies that redefine the relationship between humans and machines.
Required Qualifications and Skills
Education:
PhD or Master’s in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
Technical Proficiency:
Expertise in the neuroscience research of touch and fine motor control, including tactile sensing, grip modulation, and object interaction for real-world application.
Soft Skills:
Critical and innovative thinking, with the ability to tackle complex, unsolved challenges.
Strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills, with a passion for pushing technological boundaries.
Experience:
2–5 years of research or applied experience in haptics, neuroscience, or a related field.
Desired Skills
Technical Proficiency:
Proficiency in programming languages (Python, C++) and simulation tools for robotics.
Hands-on experience with tactile sensors, haptic systems, and robotic manipulation.
Prior involvement in designing or prototyping haptic systems for robotics is a strong advantage.
Work Details
Location: Wolverhampton, England, United Kingdom
Work Schedule: Full-time
Start date: March 2025
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to apply via our LinkedIn Job posting.
For further details about this job posting, please feel free to contact us at tharshini@aut-man.com or shini@aut-man.com.
Ready to revolutionise robotics? Join us in pushing the boundaries of human-inspired automation and shaping the future of haptics and touch technology!
Further Information
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4130488455
Contact Details
For further details about this job posting, please feel free to contact us at tharshini@aut-man.com or shini@aut-man.com.
