Applications are open for 1 Research Studentship, within the framework of project 1801P.01669, 2024.16782.PEX – ARTOp.Inclusive with cost center CC931101 financed by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC

Workplan: 

Task 1 – The research fellow will design, develop, and iterate physical interaction mockups based on interaction requirements gathered through interviews with people with upper limb limitations and from the state of the art. The goal of these initial mockups is to explore different designs of interaction methods that meet the defined requirements, followed by validation with people with upper limb limitations through a participatory design process. The mockups will be based on the accessible gamepad Flex Controller and the Tobii Eye Tracker 5. By the end of this stage, a set of physical interaction mockups is expected, along with a list identifying which mockups were selected by people with upper limb limitations and what improvements are needed.

Task 2 – The research fellow will design, develop, and iterate GUI (graphical user interface) mockups based on interaction requirements gathered through interviews with people with upper limb limitations and from the state of the art. The objective of these mockups is to explore possible ways to adapt an assistive teleoperation system according to the needs of people with upper limb limitations. For example, how the assistive system can be activated and how it can suggest support measures for teleoperation. The mockups will be based on the GUI of the MEROP teleoperation system. By the end of this stage, a set of GUI mockups is expected, along with a list identifying which mockups were selected by people with upper limb limitations and what improvements are needed.

Task 3 – The research fellow will develop a functional prototype of adaptive interaction for the teleoperation system, based on the mockups created in Tasks 1 and 2. The prototype will allow users to remotely control the robot and decide the level of assistance they want while performing a task. It may also automatically identify and activate assistive support when such a need is detected. Subsequently, a user study with people with upper limb limitations is planned to validate the prototype

Duration: The research fellowship will have the duration of 12 months. It’s expected to begin in June of 2026, and the contract is not renewable.

It is mandatory to formalize applications with the submission of the following documents: i) B1 Form – Fellowship application (https://ist-id.pt/recursos-humanos/bolseiros/#documentos-relacionados ); ii) Curriculum Vitae; iii) academic degree certificate, where applicable; iv) proof of enrollment at a course that does not award an academic degree; v) motivation letter; vi) declaration on honour that the applicant does not exceed with this contract an accumulated period of two years in this type of studentship, continuously or with interruptions. 

Applications must be submitted to the email: jessica.corujeira@tecnico.ulisboa.pt