Postdoc Computer Vision Enabled, Biosinpired Additive Manufacturing

Computer vision enabled, biosinpired additive manufacturing

Job description
Current additive manufacturing systems rely on absolute positioning and stationary reference planes. This significantly limits their application potential and, consequently, the broader impact of using 3D printers in dynamic system configurations.

Living systems exhibit fascinating traits such as optical flow imaging, efficient information processing, real-time navigation, and dynamic correction. Exploring these features could inspire next-generation control systems, leveraging technologies like neuromorphic spiking networks, to create more resilient and lightweight 3D printing machines.

We propose that if a printer uses visual cues such as optical flow and visual appearance to determine its position relative to the relevant object, the frame of reference need not remain static. Such a system could maintain accuracy while operating on an unstable reference plane. In other words, a printer loosely attached to a build plane could still perform imaging, digitalization, and reproduction of a desired geometry with precision.

The project will realise a printer consisting of 3 or more linear actuators that determines the build plane using bio-inspired, visual control. The project will consist of design, fabrication, bio-inspired control and demonstration of this revolutionary new system. We identify interesting research questions that we wish to explore in the project

1. How can optical flow control be implemented in a printer with neuromorphic control?
2. Can such a framework be successfully implemented in a linear actuator motion, 3D printer whilst keeping the mass low (i.e. low enough to be handheld, or offset weight, handheld)?
3. What bio-inspired approach do insects such as bees utilise for position, and deposition control, and how can they be captured and studied in our robotic system?
4. What are the repair characteristics (precision, geometry, properties) of the produced composites?

The project will be jointly supervised by Kunal Masania (www.shapingmatterlab.com) and Guido de Croon (www.mavlab.com), and hosted in the faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

Requirements
You hold a PhD in an engineering or robotics related discipline. You have an excellent scientific track record through the achievements in your research. You are proficient in meticulous lab work, programming and skilled in turning an idea into a prototype implementation. You enjoy pioneering new ideas, linking results with physical experiments and thrive in an interactive, collaborative research environment. Further, you have good English communication skills and a strong drive for academic excellence..

TU Delft
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Aerospace Engineering
The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 3 years.
• A job of 38-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Kunal Masania, via K.Masania@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 24 February 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter
• Your most significant publication

You can address your application to Kunal Masania.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

38 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 5