Contributed by: Alisa Rupenyan, ralisa@control.ee.ethz.ch
PhD position, FHNW Brugg Windisch Switzerland / ETH Zurich: Data-driven control for industrial applications
NCCR Automation, Data-driven control with industrial applications
The Institute for Automation at FHNW and the Automatic Control Laboratory at ETH Zurich jointly offer this PhD position based in Brugg, Switzerland, within NCCR Automation.
Research in robotics has seen incredible progress in the last years, driven by the incorporation of sensor data in the control algorithms of the robotic systems. Learning has enabled self-driving, autonomous flight, and humanoid robots to reach milestones that were previously unthinkable. Such exciting development is much slower adopted in modern manufacturing processes. The current state of technology in manufacturing is mature enough to accommodate and benefit from data-driven, learning-based approaches. Incorporating efficient use of predictive models and advanced control using process data opens up new possibilities for emerging manufacturing processes. The research activities within these projects will bring forward the integration of advanced control methods in combination with machine learning. We work towards creating a data-informed automation framework that will be demonstrated on high-end industrial systems, unifying ideas from black-box adaptive control, iterative learning, and predictive control.
The approach consists of three pillars:
- Scalability: ensuring that multiple parameters can be optimized simultaneously
- Safety: ensuring that each combination of parameters is within the safe operational bounds of the motion system
- Efficiency: ensuring that optimal parameters are found with a minimal number of iterations
The research activities in this interdisciplinary field comprise several of the following activities:
• use and comprehension of a system/process model using sensor data and plant parameters
• adaptation or development of an appropriate control algorithm, applying an optimization-based approach
• demonstration on the system
The project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and is part of the NCCR Automation, which means a close interaction with 16 control groups and 42 PhDs and postdocs across Switzerland on this project.
Suitable candidates need a graduate degree in engineering or a related field from a recognized university. Strong background in data modelling, programming (MATLAB, Python, C++), and proven understanding of control methods are essential for the successful completion of the proposed research.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents: CV, 2-3 reference letters/contacts, a short statement of research interests and objectives, one publication/thesis, and transcripts of all degrees in English.
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal https://www.jobs.ethz.ch for the corresponding position. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Further information about NCCR Automation can be found on our website and on our lab websites: Institute for automation FHNW , Automatic control laboratory ETHZ .
Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Alisa Rupenyan, email ralisa@control.ee.ethz.ch (no applications).
