Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Research Position with Rombolabs: Adaptive Stair Systems

A fully funded position is available for a graduate student or research engineer.

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ROMBOLABS
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Rombolabs is part of the VA Center for Limb Loss Prevention and Prosthetic Engineering and affiliated with the University of Washington in Seattle. We are developing sensing and control for robots and advanced prosthetic limbs. Projects in the lab include biomechanics studies, human-machine interface, “neurobotics,” virtual reality for sensorimotor neuroscience, and optimal control / machine learning. Email rombokas@uw.edu, include a resume / CV, and specify which position you are interested in.

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RESEARCH TOPIC: ADAPTIVE STAIR SYSTEM
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We are developing a sensory feedback system for lower extremity amputees to use during stair locomotion. A key element of the project is a stair system that adapts to the speed of the user. This allows a short stairway to mimic a long flight of stairs. The stair system will enable research into how prosthetic limb users ambulate on stairs, while staying within a state-of-the-art motion analysis laboratory.

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ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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* Be project lead for the adaptive-speed stair system, from design to implementation to usage in a study.
* Mechanical design of stairs and drivetrain, whether it is “from scratch” or adapting a commercially-available stair system
* Design and implementation of speed control given stair state and user location
* System integration of the device with user position sensing and device control software.

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TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
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* Mechanical device design / CAD . Understanding of how complete a design from conception to machining to assembly and testing.
* Motor control / embedded systems for reliable and safe speed adaptation
* Software engineering and systems integration familiarity a plus (C, python, java, simulink, ROS, etc)

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EXPERIENCE
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* BS or MS in relevant field
* Track record of completed mechatronic projects