PhD Research Opportunity: An AI Driven Robotic System for Physical Exercise and Personalised Sports Rehabilitation (MATX6)

Atlantic Technological University (ATU)

  • Galway
  • €22,000 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 12 days ago
Job Information Organisation/CompanyAtlantic Technological University (ATU) DepartmentResearch Research FieldComputer science » OtherEngineering » Other Researcher ProfileFirst Stage Researcher (R1) CountryIreland Application Deadline29 Apr 2024 - 17:00 (Europe/Dublin) Type of ContractNot Applicable Job StatusNot Applicable Hours Per WeekFull Time Study Offer Starting Date2 Sep 2024 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?European Union / Next Generation EU Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?NoOffer DescriptionThe Higher Education Authority (HEA) Technological University Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise, Scheme (TU RISE) is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) via the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021- 27 and the Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-27.Funding for this Project includes:
  • A student stipend (usually tax-exempt) valued at €22,000 per annum
  • Annual waivers of postgraduate tuition fee
  • Extensive research training programme
  • Support for travel, consumables and dissemination expenses
The Postgraduate Research Programme MedAgriTech AI eXcellence (MATX) funded under TU RISE, 12 PhD research scholarships to commence in 2024. Each project will include an enterprise placement of minimum 12 weeks duration.Project title MATX-06: An AI driven robotic system for physical exercise and personalised sports rehabilitationRehabilitation is a growing need, driven by an aging and more active population. The population over 65 in Ireland will double by 2051 (Population Projections Results, 2017) while 32% of the labour force will be over 50 by 2031. One-to-one physiotherapy, the optimum solution, is straining available resources while self-supervised use of gym equipment presents a safety risk. This project will explore the use of collaborative robots (Cobots) to address the demand for rehabilitation and the lack of data and reconfigurability associated with existing devices. The researcher will develop a control framework whereby an expert in exercise design will create motions for the system to follow. Cobots are safe to use around humans and capable of following precise force trajectories. Additionally emerging methods are allowing humans to quickly program these systems without any background in robotic programming. Thus, the project will seek to enable a physiotherapist or trainer, without programming experience, to interact and demonstrate exercises to the Cobot through kinaesthetic teaching. The subject will then grasp the system and follow the taught motion with varying force profiles. The resulting force data will be used to individualise exercise routine and provide the instructor with insights into subject's capabilities.Objectives of the research project :Develop a software module that enables a physiotherapist or trainer, without programming experience, to interact and demonstrate exercises to the Cobot through kinaesthetic teaching (hand-guiding).
  • Create a force controller that enables the collaborative robot to vary its resistance during motion and based on user performance.
  • Develop methods to log user data during exercises.
  • Select/design suitable outcome measures to quantify the potential beneficial outcomes to the user.
  • Develop safety strategies that ensure compliance with international standards and therefore the safety of the instructor and subject.
A minimum of 2.1 honours degree (Level 8) in a relevant discipline.Project Duration:48 months (PhD)Preferred Location:ATU Galway, CampusApplications:Application Form / Terms of Conditions can be obtained on the website:The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm, (GMT) Monday 29th April, 2024.Only selected applicants will be called for an online interview (shortlisting may apply).RequirementsResearch Field Computer science » Other Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalentSpecific RequirementsEssential Qualifications and Skills:
First-class or High Second-class degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or related discipline
Desired Qualifications and Skills:
Masters in the relevant disciplines, Experience with Robotic hardware, Interest in Sports Exercise or rehabilitation.Languages ENGLISH Level GoodResearch Field Computer science » OtherAdditional InformationWebsite for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Country Ireland City Galway GeofieldWhere to apply WebsiteContact CityATU Galway, Campus (Preferred)) WebsiteE-Mailphilip.long@atu.ieSTATUS: EXPIRED

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