"Postdoc in Tactile Robotics for Dexterous Manipulation"

Dexterous manipulation represents one of robotics' most fundamental unsolved problems. While robots excel at precise positioning and heavy lifting, they fail at tasks humans perform unconsciously – sliding a glass without spilling, rotating a screwdriver with proper torque, or coordinating fingers to tie shoelaces. This gap has profound implications for manufacturing, healthcare, domestic assistance, and applications where robots must interact delicately with the physical world.

Current robotic systems rely primarily on vision and force sensors, missing the rich tactile information that enables human dexterity. Our lab pioneered a new tactile sensor technology (best student paper award at ICRA 2025) that offers unprecedented spatial resolution and sensitivity, providing robots with meaningful tactile sensing. This position represents a unique opportunity to leverage rich tactile information for dexterous manipulation.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you'll lead the research in leveraging our tactile sensor technology to control grippers and multi-finger hands. Your primary mission involves developing control strategies that enable robots to perform complex manipulation through tactile feedback. You'll focus on three critical aspects: sliding motion control, rotation strategies for precise tool manipulation, and multi-finger coordination for more complex tasks.

We expect that you will blend theoretical approaches with hands-on experimentation, as well as collaborate with PhD candidates. You'll design experiments using our robotic platform, analyze tactile data patterns, implement real-time control algorithms, and validate performance across diverse scenarios.

You'll be part of the Tactile Machines Lab, which is a dynamic, interdisciplinary group of researchers bringing together expertise in robotics, sensing, machine learning, biomechanics, and haptics. The project is funded by a NWO VIDI grant to the PI and provides financial security, access to state-of-the-art equipment, travel resources, and freedom to pursue new research directions.

You will work alongside two PhD candidates and numerous Master’s students, providing opportunities for mentoring. Our lab maintains strong industry partnerships, offering opportunities to test algorithms on real-world applications. This research addresses a fundamental robotics limitation that can potentially enable transformative applications. Your contributions will directly influence next-generation robotic systems, from surgical robots requiring precise manipulation to manufacturing systems handling delicate objects such as fruits.

Working on this project positions you at the forefront of robotics in the burgeoning field of tactile robotics. It is the perfect platform for you to gain expertise in cutting-edge sensing technologies, develop deep understanding of robotic manipulation, and build a record of high-impact publications.

Job requirements: PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. Strong background in robotic and control systems. Experience with dexterous manipulation, tactile sensing or haptic systems. Proficiency in programming (Python, C++, MATLAB, or similar). Experience with robotic platforms and hardware. Knowledge of machine learning and signal processing techniques. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Publication record in robotics, sensing, or related fields.