Collaborative Robotics Research Scientist (KTP Associate)

KTP

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are a unique UK-wide activity that help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity by making better use of the knowledge, technology and skills within universities, colleges and research organisations. Further information is available at: www.ktponline.org.uk

THE PROJECT

The University of Essex in partnership with Skyships Automotive Limited offers an exciting opportunity to a graduate with the relevant skills and knowledge to understand applications for cobotic automation of simple tasks in a small-scale manufacturing process, and design and implement an environment which facilitates collaborative working by humans and robots. The core objective is to bring collaborative robotics, AI and flexibility into assembly of ‘low volume and highly customized’ electronics for automotive industry. Whilst automation is already a feature of very high-volume manufacturing, introducing such processes for a relatively low volume scenario is highly innovative.

 This post is fixed term for 30 months and is based at Skyships offices in Braintree.

DUTIES OF THE POST

The duties of the post will include:

• Reviewing the current workflow in the existing Skyships Production line and formulating new workflows embedding Collaborative Robots for automation, increase flexibility, reduce manual operation
• Designing, developing, and testing an initial prototype of Cobot ‘Perception-Action-Decision making’ software to automate PCB loading and unloading in the assembly line
• Develop a robotic porter application with a mobile robot that can facilitate delivery/collection of parts to various areas in the production line
• Develop software to use a collaborative robot for PCB panel cutting in the production line. This can be expanded to dispensing of thermal paste
• Designing and conducting product testing exercises, analysing results and iterating software as required
• Supporting company scale up the production, as well as exploitation of new Cobotic Manufacturing technology
• Understand requirements from the manufacturing team, hardware design team and technicians
• Research advanced manufacturing processes and propose innovative solutions to improve operational efficiency and enhance product quality 

KEY REQUIREMENTS –

The post holder must have:

• A degree in Robotics/Control Engineering/Computer Science
• MSc / MEng in an appropriate Engineering / Electronics / Robotics subject or equivalent industry experience
• Previous experience in robotics implementation in an industrial setting (ex. Service Robots, Industrial Robots, Cobots)
• Advanced Knowledge of C++ and Python Programming and experience of programming robotic devices.
• Experience in Tensorflow and/or using Machine Learning libraries (CNN’s, GANS)

LOCATION

Saling Barn,

Piccotts Lane,

Great Saling,

Braintree,

Essex,

CM7 5DW

Please note there is no public transport to Skyships offices.

Please see the attached job pack, which contains a full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application.  Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please contact resourcing@essex.ac.uk

*More information: Working at the University

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