The aim of this PhD project at the Delft Center for Systems and Control of Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands, is to develop novel advanced data-driven control approaches with applications in agriculture in order to increase production efficiency, reduce climate impact, and improve sustainability.
Description of the position
To deal with uncertainties and the increasing complexity in plants to be controlled, data-driven methods have been developed to synthesize controllers from data. These data-driven control methods have a wide range of applications in both natural and man-made systems. On the other hand, control of a network of subsystems is an important topic inspired by various engineering applications. This project focuses on the development and application of cooperative and distributed data-driven control approaches in agriculture. Rapid human population growth results in high global food demand. Producing nutrient dense foods with minimal environmental impact has become crucial. As control engineers, our opportunities lie in developing
advanced control approaches to increase production efficiency, reduce climate impact, and improve sustainability.
Motivated by applications such as the cooperative control of sensor networks and distributed regulation problems in open-field farming, this PhD project aims at developing data-driven control approaches for multi-agent and/or large-scale systems. Relevant research questions include what are the necessary data and information to be collected and exchanged for designing distributed controllers, how to achieve optimality for the subsystems via data, and how to improve the scalability of the control design with respect to time and spatial scales. Learning from the state-of-the-art in data-driven control, novel approaches will be developed for multi-agent and/or large-scale systems.
What are we looking for?
This position is a perfect chance for you to pursue high-level research work if you have a Master degree in systems and control, applied mathematics, electrical engineering, or
a related field with a strong background in control theory. Moreover, a strong mathematical background as well as experience in data-driven control, distributed control, or agriculture applications is a plus.
What do we offer?
We offer the opportunity to do scientifically challenging research in a multi-disciplinary research group. The appointment will be for up to 4 years in total. The PhD student will also be able to participate in the research school DISC (https://disc.tudelft.nl). As an employee of the university you will receive a competitive salary, as well as excellent secondary benefits. Assistance with accommodation can be arranged.
More information on this position and on how to apply can be found
[here (click to follow link)[https://www.tudelft.nl/en/3me/about/departments/delft-center-for-systems-and-control/about-dcsc/vacancies]
