[robocup-worldwide] Principled Methods of Cognitiion in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

[Daniel Polani]

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		      PhD Studentships Available on

PRINCIPLED METHODS OF COGNITIION IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ROBOTICS

		   Adaptive Systems Research Group
		      School of Computer Science
		   University of Hertfordshire, UK

	    Contact: Daniel Polani (d.polani at herts.ac.uk)

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We invite applications for PhD studentships in the Adaptive Systems
Research Group at the University of Hertfordshire: specifically,
studying principled methods to address questions of Artificial
Intelligence and Robotics, from first principles, using various tools,
with special emphasis on information theory. Questions include
developing methods of cognitive control, self-driven behaviour and
exploration in novel situations and environments and utilizing
embodiment and sensorimotor interaction in novel ways to achieve new
levels of flexibility and genericity in robotic scenarios with sparser
training data.

We use mathematical methods, with particular emphasis on Shannon's
information theory, to construct AI systems in the context of AI/robotics
and biology. Potential research directions could be:

  - information theory-based principled Artificial Intelligence
    methods to study and ultimately design effective embodied
    autonomous robotics

  - methods to generate intrinsic motivation and artificial creativity
    for intelligent directed exploration and skill-learning

  - principled approaches towards robust swarm control algorithms 

  - application of such methods to hardware robots

The prospective candidates should have a very strong first degree, a
keen interest in delving into and contributing to a new, and quickly
expanding research area and an outstanding background in Computer
Science, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics or another relevant
computational/quantitative discipline. In particular, they should
demonstrate excellent programming skills in at least one major
computer language. A mathematical/numerical background would be highly
desirable. Knowledge in at least one of the following fields would be
a plus: probability theory, information theory, differential geometry,
control, dynamical systems, control, data modelling/neural network
techniques.

The envisaged research will take place in the vibrant, enthusiastic
and enterprising research environment of the Adaptive Systems Research
Group in the School of Computer Science at the University of
Hertfordshire; there will also be the opportunity to collaborate with
the School's successful humanoid robot RoboCup team, the Bold Hearts,
and the socSMCs (Socializing Sensorimotor Contingencies, FET Open) and
WiMUST (Widely Scalable Mobile Underwater Sonar Technology) EU Horizon
2020 projects.

The school offers a large number of specialized and interdisciplinary
seminars as well as general training opportunities. Research in
Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire has been
recognized as excellent by the latest Research Assessment Exercise,
with 50% of the research submitted being rated as internationally
excellent or world leading.

The University of Hertfordshire is located in Hatfield, Hertfordshire
UK which is considered the "northern green belt" of London. Hatfield
is close to London (less than 25 minutes by direct train to Kings
Cross), has convenient access to Stansted, Luton and Heathrow
airports, and, via the nearby historic town of St. Albans, also to
Gatwick airport.

Successful candidates are eligible for a research studentship award
from the University (which includes approximately GBP 14,550.00 per
annum bursary from 1 October 2017 and the payment of the standard
UK/EU student fees). Applicants from outside the UK or EU are
eligible, but will have to pay half of the overseas fees out of their
bursary.

Closing date for application is the 16. June 2017, though excellent
applications may be considered after that date. 

For informal inquiries on the research topic please contact: Dr.
Daniel Polani (E-mail: d.polani at herts.ac.uk)

Application forms are available from Lorraine Nicholls
(l.nicholls at herts.ac.uk) or under the following link:

  http://www.herts.ac.uk/apply/schools-of-study/computer-science/our-research/the-phd-programme-in-computer-science

(see also the link under "Information Theory in Artificial
Intelligence and Artificial Life")

and should be returned to: 

  Mrs Lorraine Nicholls
  Research Student Administrator, STRI 
  University of Hertfordshire
  College Lane
  Hatfield, AL10 9AB Herts  
  Hertfordshire 
  UK
  
  Tel: +44 1707 286083
  Email: l.nicholls at herts.ac.uk

Applications should also include two references and transcripts of
previous academic degrees. 
-- 
Daniel Polani

| School of Computer Science              | Tel. +44/1707/28 4380 |
| University of Hertfordshire             | Fax: +44/1707/28 4303 |
| Hatfield, Herts AL10 9AB                |                       |
| United Kingdom                          |                       |
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| Web:                     http://homepages.herts.ac.uk/~comqdp1/ |