Control

MERL is looking for a self-motivated graduate student to work on Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (V-SLAM). Based on the candidate’s interests, the intern can work on a variety of topics such as (but not limited to): camera pose estimation, feature detection and matching, visual-LiDAR data fusion, pose-graph optimization, loop closure detection, and image-based camera relocalization. The ideal candidate would be a PhD student with a strong background in 3D computer vision and good programming skills in C/C++ and/or Python. The candidate must have published at least one paper in a top-tier computer vision, machine learning, or robotics venue, such as CVPR, ECCV, ICCV, NeurIPS, ICRA, or IROS. The intern will collaborate with MERL researchers to derive and implement new algorithms for V-SLAM, conduct experiments, and report findings. A submission to a top-tier conference is expected. The duration of the internship and start date are flexible.

Required Specific Experience

• Experience with 3D Computer Vision and Simultaneous Localization & Mapping.

MERL is seeking a graduate student to develop a scalable optimization-based framework for feedforward-feedback co-design for nonlinear dynamical systems subject to path constraints. The framework will 1) support modeling and operational uncertainties, and 2) guarantee static and dynamic feasibility in closed-loop. The solution approach will leverage the state-of-the-art in sequential convex programming, contraction analysis, and first-order methods for semidefinite programming. The methods will be evaluated on high-dimensional motion planning problems in robotics. The results of the internship are expected to be published in top-tier conferences and/or journal in robotics, control systems, and optimization.

The internship is expected to start in Spring or Summer 2025 with an expected duration of 3-6 months depending on the agreed scope and intermediate progress.

Required Specific Experience

• Current/Past enrollment in a Ph.D. program in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Applied Mathematics.
• 2+ years of research in at least some of: first-order algorithms for SDPs, contraction analysis, nonconvex trajectory optimization.
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or C/C++.

MERL is looking for a highly motivated and qualified PhD student in the areas of machine learning and robotics, to participate in research on advanced algorithms for learning control of robots and other mechanisms. Solid background and hands-on experience with various machine learning algorithms is expected, and in particular with deep learning algorithms for image processing and object detection. Exposure to deep reinforcement learning and/or learning from demonstration is highly desirable. Familiarity with the use of machine learning algorithms for system identification of mechanical systems would be a plus, along with background in other areas of automatic control. Solid experimental skills and hands-on experience in coding in Python, PyTorch, and OpenCV are required for the position. Some experience with ROS2 and familiarity with classical mechanics and computational physics engines would be helpful, but is not required. The position will provide opportunities for exploring fundamental problems in incremental learning in humans and machines, leading to publishable results. The duration of the internship is 3 to 5 months, with a flexible starting date.

Required Specific Experience

• Python, PyTorch, OpenCV