Student Research Assistent

 

About us:

High-performance artificial muscles provide new opportunities for the field of robotics:
The Robotic Materials Department at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems aims to fundamentally challenge current limitations of robotic hardware, using an interdisciplinary approach that synergizes concepts from soft matter physics and chemistry with advanced engineering technologies to devise robotic materials that enable creation of intelligent machines that mimic the astonishing capabilities of organisms in nature.

One of our central goals is the development of new classes of actuators – a key component of all robotic systems – that replicate the sweeping success of biological muscle, a masterpiece of evolution featuring astonishing all-around actuation performance, the ability to self-heal after damage, and seamless integration with distributed sensing. Our fundamental research aims to allow practical applications for soft robotic systems that span from industrial automation, over medical and wearable robotics all the way to new types of human-machine interfaces.

Department website: https://rm.is.mpg.de/
Department videos: https://www.youtube.com/@RoboticMaterials

 

Your tasks:

Your task is to develop Arduino-based innovative devices bridging the realms of electrical and mechanical systems in artificial muscles. As a student research assistant, you'll have the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in working with cutting-edge hardware and software systems while immersing yourself in the world of ongoing robotics research. The position is hourly-paid and offers flexible starting times and working hours upon selection.

Possible tasks include:

• Developing Innovative Devices: Create mechatronic devices utilizing Arduino technology to advance the field of artificial muscles.

• Modular System Integration: Seamlessly integrate developed devices into a modular system, optimizing functionality and performance.

• Hands-on Experimentation: Conduct exciting experiments using the developed system, contributing directly to our research objectives.

 

Your profile:

We are looking for talented students who are pursuing a Master of Science in mechanical engineering (Maschinenbau), mechatronics (Mechatronik), control system (Regelkreis), electrical engineering (Elektrotechnik), computer science (Informatik), or related fields to support our research as student research assistants (HiWis).

 

Applicants should:

• have high motivation.

• be pursuing a master’s degree.

• be currently enrolled in a German university.

• want to work in an international and interdisciplinary research group.

• have good oral and written communication skills in English.

• be able to work on-site at the Max-Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart, Germany.

 

We highly value applicants with experience in any of the following areas: 

• Arduino-based device development.
  • Motor driving especially in field oriented control (vector control) for brushless DC motors. 
  • System integration between actuator, sensor and controller subsystems including synchronization of devices with multiple sampling times.

• Gain tuning for PID controls.

• Fabricating and testing electrical circuit.

• Problem-solving skills in troubleshooting mechatronic systems.

• Signal processing and data analysis derived from real-world experimental data.

 

What we offer

• Master students with a bachelor degree will be paid €13.03 per hour

• Working time of up to 20 hours per week

• Contracts are given per semester

   

The Max-Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

 

Contact and application

Questions related to the position should be addressed via email to Toshihiko Fukushima at fukushima@is.mpg.de

Applications should be uploaded in a single pdf and include a CV, a short motivation letter (why are you interested in this position/research?), current transcripts of BSc/MSc studies, and optionally other documentation helpful to evaluate your background.

Please upload your application via our application portal.

The posting is open until filled or no longer needed. Preference will be given to applications received before October 31, 2023.