Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Computer Science programme. The position is available from February 2022 or later.
Title:
Re-advertisment: Augmented and Virtual Reality for Industrial Applications II
Research area and project description:
As part of the research projects under MADE funded by the Innovation Fund Denmark, Aarhus University is heading a Work Package that involves Augmented and Virtual Reality research. Watch this video (in Danish) to see how Augmented Reality plays a central role in the Industry 4.0 vision. The advertised PhD project should address the following scope and challenges:
Production and product installation involves complex manual routines, and there is increased need for manual work for production of individualized products, such as wind turbines. Further, production equipment and physical products are often complex to set up and handle. Many errors occur in such manual procedures and it is a challenge to quickly and effectively prepare a shifting workforce to master new tasks and processes. Development of Virtual and Augmented Reality-based assistance tools can help to radically reduce setup time and production errors and make training of the workforce much more efficient.
The Augmented and Virtual Reality research activities aim at increasing both performance, speed, and quality of human processes in manufacturing, commissioning, and service by developing digital assistance tools for the workforce. This among other things involves research and development of:
- Assistance to the workforce with Augmented Reality (AR) in-situ via wearables (e.g., HoloLens see-through glasses), mobile display overlays (e.g., tablets and smartphones), and projection mapping (e.g., laser or traditional projectors)
- Efficient and accurate recognition and tracking of e.g., objects and hand gestures with Machine Learning techniques for stable AR (e.g., providing step-by-step instructions).
- More natural 3D interaction for both AR and VR to make the digital assistance feasible and effective in a manufacturing context.
- Virtual Reality support (e.g., via Occulus Quest/HTC Vive) for training the workforce in selected complex procedures before going into operation, e.g., in a wind turbine park.
The successful PhD candidate will explore one or more of these topics and contribute novel findings and solutions to the research field and danish manufacturing industry. This involves research using a number of different enabling technologies, with the goal to develop AR/VR concepts, methods, and tools that can support humans in performing a rich variety of complex manual tasks. This research will be conducted in close collaboration with a number of high-ranking Danish companies in industrial manufacturing (e.g., Vestas Wind Systems A/S, LEGO Systems A/S, Velux A/S, Haldor Topsøe A/S), as well as leading software development companies of mixed reality applications (e.g., Unity Studios ApS), and world-class researchers in the field of human-computer interaction (HCI).
What we offer:
- Work with industry professionals and world-class researchers in the field of HCI.
- Conduct visionary research using cutting-edge technology.
- Develop new skills, gain knowledge, and meet peers at summer schools, workshops and conferences around the world.
Experience a change of research environment during a semester abroad.
Salary:
The offered position entails full time employment (37-hour work weeks). The PhD salary is determined in accordance with the common academic pay scale at base pay level 4 and includes a pension scheme, as well as health insurance, and benefits according to the Danish Maternity, Paternity and Parental Leave Benefit Act.
Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants to the PhD position must have a relevant Master’s degree (e.g., Computer Science, IT Product Development, or similar). Prior experience with computer graphics, computer vision, machine learning, Augmented Reality or Virtual Reality is an advantage.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Computer Science, Åbogade 34, DK-8200 Aarhus N., Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Professor, PhD Kaj Grønbæk, kgronbak@cs.au.dk, Cell ph: (+45) 2149 5634
Application procedures
Before you apply, please read the application guide thoroughly. You can find the guide here.
How to apply:
1) Find the application form:
Go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ – Note, the online application system opens on 1 September 2021.
Choose November 2021 Call with deadline 1 November 2021 at noon (11.59 AM CET).
You will be directed to the call, and must choose the programme “Computer Science”.
2) Fill in the following information:
- Personal information
- Academic background
- Admission
- Financing (if any)
- Study: In the dropdown menu you must choose the project: “Re-advertisment: Augmented and Virtual Reality for Industrial Applications II (RAVRIA)”
- Source (how you found out about the call)
Next to some of the information fields you will find a number. Click on the number to get further directions on how to fill in the information field/what information is needed.
3) Application attachments:
Please be aware that you cannot submit the application if one or several of these documents have not been uploaded.
If you wish to upload more than one document under each section, you must scan/merge all documents into one large PDF file and upload this. Please note that we reserve the right to remove scientific papers, large reports, theses and the like. Instead you can indicate a URL where the information is available.
All information in the application must be in English or Danish, preferably English. A certified English translation is required for documents written in languages other than English or one of the Scandinavian languages (i.e. Norwegian, Swedish or Danish) languages.
As a minimum, all applications must include (pdf-files only, max. 20 MB, and no zip):
One reference (template for references)
- Curriculum vitae,
- Motivation (max. 1 page)
- Transcripts, grade point averages (weighted and unweighted), and diploma(s) for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. If the original documents are not in English or one of the Scandinavian languages (i.e. Norwegian, Swedish or Danish) then copies of the original documents as well as a certified English translation must be attached.
- Project description (½-4 pages). For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When – as here – you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found. Please note that we reserve the right to remove scientific papers, large reports, theses and the like.
- Documentation of language skills if required.
After submission of the application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with an application ID, you should use for reference if needed.
The graduate school reserves the right to verify the authenticity of your educational diploma and transcripts:
- Request additional information to verify an application.
- Reject the application if it is proven, or if the University has reasonable belief, that the information provided is false or if the applicant refuses to provide the requested information, whether or not an offer has already been made.
- For further information on applying, assessment procedures, etc. please see the GSNS Application Guide.
Please note:
- The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
- The project will only be initiated if final funding (from the graduate school/the faculty) is secured.
All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.