Open PhD position in Affective Robotics :
Full doctorate scholarship available to conduct research in analogues of
emotion for robotic mapping, localisation and path planning available at
Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand (VUW). VUW is ranked number
one in New Zealand for research in the NZ government research exercise 2013.

PhD scholarship scheduled to start October, 2013. Candidates are invited to
send an email with a letter expressing their interest for the proposed
research and their CV, including full transcript, English-language test
score and any publications, to the supervisors [Professor Dale Carnegie and
Dr Will Browne, Dale.Carnegie@vuw.ac.nz, Will.Browne@vuw.ac.nz].

- Project Description -
The field of affective computing seeks to draw analogues of human emotions
for the benefit of artificial systems. This may be in interaction with
humans, communication or in decision-making, where the latter is the focus
of the proposed research work. Analogues of emotion are to be utilised to
develop an autonomous robot for mapping, localisation and path planning when
exploring unknown, unfamiliar and/or dynamic environments with the potential
application of search and rescue robotics. The work is to be grounded in
theory of emotion, e.g. Plutchik, Rolls, Damasio and Darwin.

This position would suit a student who has an interest in autonomous
robotics. It is preferred that the candidate have some computer
programming, electronics and control systems experience. An interest in
psychology is advantageous but not essential. The preferred candidate will
have experience in research with supporting journal or conference
publications.

Closing date: 10 August 2013