Two PhDs on cognitive robots and human-robot interaction at the University of Plymouth
 
The Centre for Interactive Intelligent Systems at the University of Plymouth is looking for two motivated PhD students to help study the fundamentals in concept acquisition and human-robot interaction in the CONCEPT project (http://www.tech.plym.ac.uk/SoCCE/CONCEPT) headed by Dr Tony Belpaeme.
 
One PhD studentship on human-robot interaction. To study human-robot interaction to allow robots to learn concepts and language through human-robot tutelage. The successful applicant will focus on robot-human interaction, and will be tasked with setting up a robotic experiment, implementing interface software, studying and implementing visual processing for object recognition in space and time, studying and implementing the human-robot interaction for learning through linguistic interaction and running the experiments on the robotic setup. His/her work will lead to a doctoral degree on human-robot interaction for social and linguistic learning.
 
One PhD studentship on cognitive robotics. To study cognitive aspects of machines that can learn concepts and language through human-robot tutelage. The successful applicant will explore how young children acquire the meaning of words and will study how this can be implemented on an artificial platform, such as a robot. He/she will implement cognitive models for learning through interaction and for the direct transfer of semantic knowledge between robots. His/her work will lead to a doctoral degree on computational models of social and direct transfer of knowledge.
 
Applicants should have a strong interdisciplinary interest in cognitive science, artificial intelligence and robotics and should have, or expect to obtain, a high grade Bachelors or Masters Degree in Computer Science and/or Robotics or a related field. The candidates must have good programming skills and a strong motivation for research.
 
Full-time Home/EU tuition fees will be paid for the duration of the 3 year studentship.  The stipend for the studentship is at the standard EPSRC rate, which is currently £12,940 (note that the stipend is not subject to UK income tax). Funding commences on 1st October 2008.
 
More information can be found on http://www.tech.plym.ac.uk/SoCCE/CONCEPT Informal enquiries regarding the project can be made to Dr Tony Belpaeme (email: tony.belpaeme@plymouth.ac.uk).
 
To apply for this studentship please download an application form from www.plymouth.ac.uk/pghowtoapply.  Please return your application form with copies of your qualifications and transcripts, two academic references, English language qualification (if appropriate), a covering letter and CV to:
 
Mrs C Watson, Research Administrator
Faculty of Technology
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus, Plymouth
Devon PL4 8AA
c.watson@plymouth.ac.uk, tel: 01752 586040         
 
Closing date for applications: 12.00 noon 18th August 2008