PhD Position in Affective Robotics

Open PhD position in Affective Robotics :

Victoria University of Wellington is pleased to announce a full doctorate scholarship to conduct research in analogues of emotion for robotic mapping, localisation and path planning at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand (VUW). VUW is ranked number one in New Zealand for research in the NZ Government Research Exercise 2013.

The PhD scholarship is scheduled to start in October, 2013. Candidates are invited to send an email with a letter expressing their interest for the proposed research and their CV, including full academic transcript, English-language test score and any publications, to the supervisors [Professor Dale Carnegie and Dr Will Browne, Dale.Carnegie@vuw.ac.nz, Will.Browne@vuw.ac.nz].

- Project Description -

The field of affective computing seeks to draw analogues of human emotions for the benefit of artificial systems. This may be in interaction with humans, communication or in decision-making, where the latter is the focus of the proposed research work. Analogues of emotion are to be utilised to develop an autonomous robot for mapping, localisation and path planning when exploring unknown, unfamiliar and/or dynamic environments with the potential application of search and rescue robotics. The work is to be grounded in theory of emotion, e.g. Plutchik, Rolls, Damasio and Darwin.

This position would suit a student who has an interest in autonomous robotics. It is preferred that the candidate have some computer programming, electronics and control systems experience. An interest in psychology is advantageous but not essential. The preferred candidate will have experience in research with supporting journal or conference publications.

Closing date: 10 August 2013