Summer Internships in autonomous Robotics (SIAR)
Developing autonomous capabilities in humanoid robots with application to robotic soccer.
Overview
The goal of the Summer Internship in Autonomous Robotics (SIAR) programme is to engage students in research projects which focus on the technological issues surrounding humanoid robotic soccer. These include challenges in obtaining fast stable locomotion, real-time image processing, robust localization and effective team co-ordination. These problems span a range of computer science, electronic engineering and applied mathematics disciplines (artificial intelligence, control systems, signal processing, algorithm development, image processing etc.) and demand good programming and analytical skills. The programme is run by an inter-disciplinary team of researchers from the Department of Electronic Engineering, Department of Computer Science and the Hamilton Institute at NUI Maynooth and is funded under Science Foundation of Ireland UREKA programme grant 09/UR/I1524.
The programme is coordinated by Dr. Sean McLoone (Electronic Engineering), Dr. Adam Winstanley (Computer Science) and Prof. Rick Middleton (The Hamilton Institute).
A poster advertising the 2010 SIAR internships can be downloaded here.
What is involved in SIAR?
Successful applicants will spend 10 weeks commencing on Monday 7th June 2010 at NUI Maynooth. They will receive a scholarship of 300 Eu per week for the 10 week period and international recipients will be able to reclaim (within limits) travel expenses. They will conduct research projects in conjunction with leading researchers from NUI Maynooth on various aspects of robotics relating to humanoid robotic soccer. There will be a program of organised social, cultural and sporting activities for the interns as well as training in the various aspects of research. Project areas and indicative projects are available here.
Who can apply for an Internship?
Students who are about to complete their penultimate year of a bachelors degree in Computing, Electronic Engineering, Applied Mathematics or closely related disciplines are invited to apply. SIAR will be considering applications from Ireland, Europe and other international location
How do I apply for an Internship?
Application material should be sent electronically to [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] and should consist of:
A completed Cover Sheet (available to download here)
A two page curriculum vitae of the applicant, including academic results achieved to-date, and experience relevant to the internship.
Your University exam transcripts to-date.
A letter of recommendation from a full time lecturer or professor at your University who is familiar with your academic work.
A personal statement (maximum of two A4 pages) to include:
an explanation of why you are interested in this undergraduate research internship
a description of your programming experience (languages and level, e.g. projects undertaken in Java, C++, Matlab, etc)
details of other relevant skills (image processing , system dynamics, control, ..)
The closing date for receipt of applications is the 6th February 2010 (deadline extended from 30th January 2010) .
Summer Internships in autonomous Robotics (SIAR)
Developing autonomous capabilities in humanoid robots with application to robotic soccer.
This page provides an overview of the types of project available under the SIAR programme. For an introduction to SIAR and details of the application process please go here.
Indicative projects
Projects will be divided into 3 broad areas. Within each area, an indication of possible projects (to be finalised) is given below. Applicants should rank their preferences in terms of project areas.
Project area: Sensor processing and inference (SPI)
A critical part of all robotics applications is the ability to process sensor data and infer important information about the environment from the data. In the RoboCup Soccer, Standard Platform League application, the primary sensor available is the robot's camera (single colour camera with resolution up to 640x480). In addition, the robot includes inertial sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) and foot pressure sensors. This application motivates a number of projects in semsor processing and inference. Indicative projects (to be finalised) include:
Implementation of Automatic Robot Location Algorithms
Real-Time Stereo Vision Based Localisation and Object Recognition
Obstacle detection using the GOLD paradigm
Fast accurate robust ball tracker
Single Camera Object Detection & Tracking for Robot Soccer
Line feature detection algorithm development from webcam images
Project Area: Balance Control and Action (BCA)
Another core autonomous robotics skill involves actuation. In the case of wheeled robots, this is relatively straightforward where geared motors may be controlled to give desired motions. In the case of legged robots, particularly humanoid types, there is much work required to plan the correct sequence of joint movements to create a 'good' walk, to be able to kick the ball, and to be able to balance when disturbed (for example by accidental collisions with other objects). Example projects in this area include:
Balancing a planar robot using arm motion.
Robot tilt stabilization based on foot pressure feedback
Robot kick design
Goal keeper saves
Project Area: Learning, Planning and Co-ordination (LPC)
To make the best use of the sensor information and the available actuators, intelligent, strategic decision making is required. This allows the robots to cooperate as a team, to make best advantage of their possible actions, to give the team the best chance of both avoiding opponent goals, and scoring their own goals. Possible projects in this area include:
Capture & Analysis of Opposition Data to Improve Game Performance
Irregular Cellular Automata for Robot Motion Planning
Multi-criteria path planning & decision-making for co-operating robots
Specification and Simulation of Soccer Tactics.
website: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Summer Internships in autonomous Robotics (SIAR)
Developing autonomous capabilities in humanoid robots with application to robotic soccer.
This page provides an overview of the types of project available under the SIAR programme. For an introduction to SIAR and details of the application process please go here.
Indicative projects
Projects will be divided into 3 broad areas. Within each area, an indication of possible projects (to be finalised) is given below. Applicants should rank their preferences in terms of project areas.
Project area: Sensor processing and inference (SPI)
A critical part of all robotics applications is the ability to process sensor data and infer important information about the environment from the data. In the RoboCup Soccer, Standard Platform League application, the primary sensor available is the robot's camera (single colour camera with resolution up to 640x480). In addition, the robot includes inertial sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) and foot pressure sensors. This application motivates a number of projects in semsor processing and inference. Indicative projects (to be finalised) include:
Implementation of Automatic Robot Location Algorithms
Real-Time Stereo Vision Based Localisation and Object Recognition
Obstacle detection using the GOLD paradigm
Fast accurate robust ball tracker
Single Camera Object Detection & Tracking for Robot Soccer
Line feature detection algorithm development from webcam images
Project Area: Balance Control and Action (BCA)
Another core autonomous robotics skill involves actuation. In the case of wheeled robots, this is relatively straightforward where geared motors may be controlled to give desired motions. In the case of legged robots, particularly humanoid types, there is much work required to plan the correct sequence of joint movements to create a 'good' walk, to be able to kick the ball, and to be able to balance when disturbed (for example by accidental collisions with other objects). Example projects in this area include:
Balancing a planar robot using arm motion.
Robot tilt stabilization based on foot pressure feedback
Robot kick design
Goal keeper saves
Project Area: Learning, Planning and Co-ordination (LPC)
To make the best use of the sensor information and the available actuators, intelligent, strategic decision making is required. This allows the robots to cooperate as a team, to make best advantage of their possible actions, to give the team the best chance of both avoiding opponent goals, and scoring their own goals. Possible projects in this area include:
Capture & Analysis of Opposition Data to Improve Game Performance
Irregular Cellular Automata for Robot Motion Planning
Multi-criteria path planning & decision-making for co-operating robots
Specification and Simulation of Soccer Tactics.
website: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Summer Internships in autonomous Robotics (SIAR) 
