Uni-OL

 

The Division of Microrobotics and Control Engineering (AMiR) was founded by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sergej Fatikow in 2001. At the time, the division employs 15 scientists, combining engineers, physicists and computer scientists for a multidisciplinary approach. AMiR addresses research and development within the following areas: Smart and versatile microrobots, Microactuators (piezo-, ferrofluid- and SMA-actuators) for microrobots, Real-time image processing in the micro world (SEM, optical microscopy), Micro force sensors and tactile sensors for microrobots, Microrobot control systems, e.g. neural, networks and fuzzy logic, Multimodal microrobot control interface (haptic, force, image, sound), Robot-based micro- and nanohandling (SEM, TEM, optical microscopy), Indoor-Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs), Multi-robot systems: team behaviour, communication, control issues, Autonomous microrobots, Applications: microassembly, nano-testing, cell handling,

Many applications require the handling of objects with nanometer precision. The best example is the microsystem technology (MST). Conventional robots are not suited for the assembly of microsystems. Therefore, versatile, automated nanohandling systems with smart robots, grippers, sensors, control and planning techniques are regarded as a key technology for mastering the MST on an industrial basis.

Current Research Topics:

• Smart and versatile microrobots
• Microactuators (piezo-, ferrofluid- and SMA-actuators) for microrobots
• Real-time image processing in the micro world (SEM, optical microscopy) 
• Micro force sensors and tactile sensors for microrobots
• Microrobot control systems, e.g. neural networks and fuzzy logic
• Multimodal microrobot control interface (haptic, force, image, sound)
• Robot-based micro- and nanohandling (SEM, optical microscopy)
• Applications: microassembly, nano-testing, cell handling
• Multi-robot systems: team behavior, communication, control issues
• Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs)
• Autonomous microrobots

 

	Tasks of Uni-OL in ASSEMIC:
	Motion principles, coarse and fine positioning units for microrobots in the range of a few cm3, with several degrees of freedom and micrometer positioning accuracy
	End effectors, application specific grippers, tools, canulae
	Measurement of gripping and contact forces with piezoresistive, piezoelectric and capacitive sensors. Real time processing of force and image information (SEM and video image)
	Handling of biological cells (functional and pharmaco genomics), selection of specific cells from a tissue, extraction and injection of substances, patch clamping, automated preparation of sample arrays
	Haptic device, interface for telemanipulated control
	Application of neural networks and fuzzy logic to microrobot control systems for automated microassembly tasks
	Nanohandling inside a SEM: versatile and smart devices, processes and techniques

 

Currently free training positions at Uni-OL:

The University of Oldenburg (Division Microrobotics and Control Engineering, Dept. of Compu­ting Science) offers a research position within a European research training network, full time, net salary about 2000 € / month, starting 1st June 2006 and limited to 1 year.

Only researchers of non-German nationality and 1) with more than 4 years of research experience (full-time equivalent), counting from the time the diploma was obtained, or 2) with PhD degree are eligible to participate in this program.

The trainee has to participate in the development of a microrobot-based nanocharacterization station inside a scanning electron microscope. New approaches for nanoindentation measure­ments require compact setups using microrobots in combination with piezoresistive AFM probes. For this reason, different methods of material characterization on the nanoscale, especially by using an AFM probe as a nanoindenter, have to be investigated. Work focuses on both the imple­mentation of custom-made nanocharacterization devices as well as the development of an auto­matic control system for the station's microrobots. One of the aspired applications is measuring and evaluating mechanical properties of adhesive joints.

We are particularly interested in qualified applicants with relevant research experience (more than 10 research publications) or PhD degree both in mechanical engineering AND robot control and auto­mation. Applicants with professional experience in software development will be favoured. Knowledge of research issues in microrobotics and some control of the German language would be advantageous.

The position is not suitable for part-time work.

The Network strongly encourages women to apply. According to § 21, para. 3, NHG, female applicants of equal qualification will be given preferential consideration. Severe handicaped persons of equal qualification and suitability for the position will be preferentially employed.

Applications (CV, copies of certi­ficates) have to be sent until 28th February 2006 to the Head of the Division, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Fatikow, University of Oldenburg , Dept. of Computing Science, Div. of Microrobotics, D-26111 Oldenburg, Germany, or by email: fatikow@uni-oldenburg.de

 

Who can apply?

Contact:

University of Oldenburg
Thomas Wich Department of Computing Science - AMiR Uhlhornsweg 84 D-26111 Oldenburg Germany Phone: +49 441 798 5443 Fax.: +49 441 798 195443 Email: thomas.wich@uni-oldenburg.de	Jens Kamenik Department of Computing Science - AMiR Uhlhornsweg 84 D-26111 Oldenburg Germany Phone: +49 441 798 4261 Phone: +49 441 798 4331 Fax.: +49 441 798 4267 Email: kamenik@informatik.uni-oldenburg.de

http://www.uni-oldenburg.de