Sudipta Chattopadhyay

Security and Performance Validation of Self-reconfigurable Robots

Project Investigators:

Open Positions:

Update: We are still looking for one postdoc in the project. Preference will now be given to a candidate with background in machine learning and/or system security. For research assistants, we look for strong background in C/C++ programming and embedded systems.

I have openings for four (4) post-doctors and four (4) research assistants (RAs). Post-doctors are required to have a PhD degree (or soon to be awarded) in computer science, computer engineering or related fields. Research assistants are required to hold an engineering degree (Bachelor or Masters). All positions are available immediately.

The project investigates systematic design of a class of self-reconfigurable robots (for a short introduction on our current prototype, see this video). It is an interdisciplinary project that combines concepts from several research areas, including but not limited to mechatronics, embedded systems, control theory, perception, system security, system validation/verification, distributed systems and fault tolerance. As such, prospective applicants should have interest in such interdisciplinary research agenda. All selected candidates will have the opportunity to be part of designing real, physical robots that will be deployed in Singapore for various services. The designed robots will be systematically validated against various performance and security-related properties.

Concretely, I am looking for post-doctors and research assistants in the following areas (all areas are equally important and need to be filled up as soon as possible):

  • One (1) postdoc and one (1) RA in Embedded Systems and/or Control: The post-doc is expected to have substantial research experience either in embedded systems or in control theory or both. (S)he will contribute to the design and validation of embedded control systems for the robot. This involves both the theory and the implementation of embedded systems. Moreover, we expect such embedded systems to be validated against certain pre-defined performance constraints. Prospective RAs should have substantial experience in C/C++ implementation and they should be comfortable to play with large C/C++ code. Some knowledge of embedded systems is a plus for RAs, but not mandatory.

  • One (1) postdoc and one (1) RA in Parallel and Distributed systems: The post-doc is expected to have substantial research experience in parallel and distributed systems (theory and practice). Relevant experience may include but not limited to research in networked embedded systems, distributed systems and general-purpose graphics processing units (GPGPUs). The selected post-doc will significantly contribute to develop the theory and implementation of distributed robot network. Specifically, the efficient implementation of message passing and fault tolerance will be crucial for the design of distributed robot network. Prospective RAs should have experience in C/C++ implementation and some basic knowledge of parallel/distributed systems, OpenMPI and GPGPUs.

  • One (1) postdoc and one (1) RA in Autonomy for robots: The post-doc is expected to have experience in path planning for designing autonomous systems. Additionally, knowledge of implementation challenges of path planning in resource-constrained system is beneficial. The selected post-doc will significantly contribute towards making the robots autonomous. (S)he will also contribute towards the systematic validation and verification of such autonomous systems, specifically targeting the validation of path planning subsystem. Prospective RA(s) should have interest in robotics and autonomous systems. (S)he should have substantial experience in C/C++ implementation. Some knowledge on Robot Operating System (RoS) and embedded systems is a plus, but it is not mandatory.

  • One (1) postdoc and one (1) RA in Verification, Formal Methods and System Security: The post-doc is expected to have substantial research experience in one or (preferably) more of the following areas: formal methods, verification, system testing, system security, security for embedded systems. The selected post-doc will significantly contribute to the theory and implementation of the security-layer for robots. The security of any service robot is crucial, as these robots are going to perform boring, mundane tasks operating alongside humans in the future. Hence, we will integrate the security properties in these robots by design (and not considering it as an afterthought). Moreover, we will rigorously validate certain security properties to ensure the robustness and safety of deployed robots. Prospective RA(s) should have significant interest in hacking software systems and in system security.

Selected post-docs and research assistants will be offered internationally competitive remunerations and post-docs will also be offered support to travel to conferences for communicating the research outputs. Singapore is a vibrant city that has an excellent mix of Western and Asian cultures. The city is well connected and is the center of one of the best airports in the world. Employees in Singapore enjoy a low tax-rate and the excellent facilities supporting research and technologies.

We request prospective candidates to commit for at least one year.

About SUTD:

Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) is Singapore's fourth autonomous university. It is developed in collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). SUTD's mission is to advance knowledge and nurture technically grounded leaders and innovators to serve societal needs. This will be accomplished with a focus on Design, through an integrated multi-disciplinary curriculum and multi-disciplinary research.

Application:

In order to apply for any position, contact me (sudipta_chattopadhyay@sutd.edu.sg) directly with your detailed curriculum vitae (CV). Kindly also indicate which sub area(s) (as mentioned in the preceding sections) you wish to contribute.

Related Publications:

Acknowledgement:

This research is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). This support is gratefully acknowledged.