PhD in AI for reconfigurable robot collectives and real-time flow control

Introduction

How can a collective of robots become a “living”, reconfigurable infrastructure to support real-time and safe crowd management in a dynamic urban environment?

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to help us answer this question by joining the Roboflow team https://roboflow.phys.tue.nl/roboflow/, taking part in the RE-FLOW (REconfigurable robot collectives for real-time FLOW control) project. RE-FLOW, supported by the EAISI Multidisciplinary AI Research (EMDAIR) program, aims to combine control theory, robotics, applied physics, and computer science to lay the foundations for a new generation of AI-enabled robot collectives that can act as adaptive physical infrastructures.

Job Description

You will develop the intelligence layer of the RE-FLOW architecture, developing new closed-loop flow-shaping approaches to answer a central research question:

How can high-dimensional, emergent crowd dynamics and hazard information be translated into optimal and safe geometric configurations of a robot collective in real time?

Rather than controlling individual robots, you will investigate how high-level geometric structures—such as corridors, barriers, and splitters—can be synthesized automatically from observations of pedestrian flow, enabling the robot collective to act as a form of adaptive physical infrastructure that continuously reshapes itself in response to evolving crowd dynamics, hazards, and environmental changes.

Under the joint supervision of Valentina Breschi (Department of Electrical Engineering), Elena Torta (Department of Mechanical Engineering), and Federico Toschi (Department of Applied Physics and Science Education), you will develop novel methods to:

• Extract actionable information from crowd-flow observations, such as congestion patterns, bottlenecks, and indicators of reactions to emerging hazards.
• Design learning-based policies that generate safe, high-level geometric configurations for robot collectives accounting for both flow performance and physical feasibility of collective reconfiguration.
• Validate the developed methods in simulation and on TU/e’s RoboFlow robotic testbed.

This project offers a unique opportunity to work on a new research direction at the intersection of control, AI, and robotics. You will collaborate with researchers from Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Physics, and Mechanical Engineering and become part of the vibrant AI ecosystem of TU/e and the Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute (EAISI).

Job Requirements

We are looking for candidates with:

• A Master's degree in Robotics, Control Systems, Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related discipline. Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
• Experience with control, machine learning, or optimization.
• Excellent programming skills, preferably in Python.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary research team.

Experience with Reinforcement Learning, Model Predictive Control, robotics, or multi-agent systems is considered an advantage.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? 

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact dr. Valentina Breschi [email protected].

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.