Field Validation, Teleoperation, and Performance Benchmarking for Soft, Continuum, and Legged Robotic Systems

Overview

Support of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Measurement Science for
Manufacturing Robotics and Autonomous Systems (MSRAS) Program. The focus of this role is to advance
standard test methods, physical benchmarking methodologies, and evaluation guidelines for soft
robotics, continuum robots, and legged systems. This research concentrates on translating experimental
data and human-in-the-loop user studies into reproducible hardware design rules and intuitive
teleoperation control strategies for deployment in complex or hazardous environments (e.g., disaster
response and emergency navigation).

Qualifications

Education

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related robotics engineering field.

Experience and Domain Knowledge

• Field Validation & Deployment Metrics: Conducting field trials, analyzing physical constraints in unstructured environments, and evaluating portable mechanical profiles.
• Teleoperation & HRI: Camera and interface algorithms, human-subject user studies, and analyzing human behavior in simulated emergency response scenarios.
• Continuum & Soft Robotics Mechanics: Modeling structural deformation/collapse, continuum robot state estimation, and force sensor integration.
• Locomotion & Motion Modeling: Multi-legged gait synchronization, stride-length experiments, and characterizing spatial steering.

Technical Skills & Proficiencies

• Programming Languages: High proficiency in MATLAB, C/C++, Python, and Java.
• Design & Simulation Software: SolidWorks (or similar CAD software), 3D simulation, and micro- controller development.
• Software Development & Infrastructure: ROS2, Git version control, and motion capture data management.
• Manufacturing & Documentation: 3D printing workflow optimization, standard text tools (LaTeX), and technical document writing for the scientific publications.

Research Proposal

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Measurement Science & Soft Robotics Benchmarking: Conducting state-of-the-art measurement science research to establish standard testing, characterization, and reporting guidelines for soft robots and flexible structures.
• Teleoperation & Control Optimization: Developing, testing, and refining intuitive control algorithms to enhance operator performance and system usability.
• Human-Robot Interaction & User Studies: Designing and executing user studies, virtual simulations, and human-in-the-loop experiments to evaluate how factors such as audio acuity, user interface (UI) layout, and feedback impact decision-making during emergency response scenarios.
• Analytical Modeling & State Estimation: Building, expanding, and validating physical mechanics and structural collapse models leveraging experimental data and motion capture systems to evaluate real-world payload capabilities.
• Locomotion & Gait Analysis: Characterizing mobility configurations, steerability metrics, and variable-gait locomotion frameworks across unique platforms, including multi-legged and continuum robotic systems.
• Hardware Adaptation & Field Viability Studies: Collaborating directly with first responders and industrial stakeholders to test equipment in mock operational spaces, translating qualitative feedback into standardized hardware and portability metrics.
• Test Apparatus & Sensor Integration: Designing and fabricating testbed components, force sensors, and innovative mechanical interfaces using advanced computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Collaborative Dissemination & Workshop Organization: Partnering with multi-disciplinary research institutions, organizing international technical workshops, and presenting peer- reviewed data at major robotics conferences.