Robotics

The IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems brings the robotics community to Pittsburgh from 27 September to 1 October 2026. The programme includes technical presentations, keynotes, workshops, tutorials, competitions and exhibits on intelligent robotic systems. Registration remains available; the regular registration deadline is 18 September 2026. Workshops and tutorials require separate registration.

Raymundo Arróyave discusses alloy discovery guided by both metallurgical knowledge and Bayesian optimization. The approach combines physical models, high-throughput CALPHAD calculations, microstructural information and experimental feedback to search chemical and processing spaces that are difficult to explore through data alone. Examples involving high-entropy and refractory alloys address multiple objectives and constraints, including feasibility, correlated properties, uncertainty and microstructural sensitivity. The seminar then connects these decision methods to the Autonomous Robotic Metallurgist under development at his university. This platform links modular synthesis, characterization and testing with digital twins, human–robot collaboration and AI agents. The aim is a closed experimental loop in which scientific judgment and physical understanding guide automated execution.

The flagship conference of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, held May 24-28, 2027 at Coex in Seoul, South Korea, bringing together the world's top researchers and industry leaders to advance the field of robotics.

Develop synthetic cells for sustainable biomanufacturing in Wilhelm Huck’s group and the European Propel consortium. The work combines liquid-handling robots, microscopy and active learning to optimise liposomes and cell-free protein production, ultimately converting waste streams into useful biomaterials. These full-time appointments initially last one year, with potential extensions of one or two years. Gross monthly salary is EUR 3,706–5,760 according to experience. Apply online by 15 October 2026; recruitment may close earlier when suitable candidates are found. The preferred start is 1 November 2026.

The Soft Robotics Lab seeks postdoctoral researchers working on compliant robotic systems, biohybrid actuators, dexterous manipulation, robot learning or embodied-AI simulation. Researchers will develop and experimentally validate systems, publish findings and co-supervise students. The full-time Zurich appointment starts with a one-year contract, renewable annually. Applications are reviewed as they arrive until 30 November 2026; the start date is negotiable.

Develop computational and robotic models of learning, development and social cognition in Jun Tani’s Cognitive Neurorobotics Research Unit. Topics include recurrent networks, predictive coding, active inference, generalisation during development, executive control and working memory. Duties include model and task design, simulation or robotics experiments, analysis and first-author papers. The full-time appointment initially lasts two years; the expected annual salary is JPY 4.6–5.9 million. Recruitment remains open until all positions are filled, with an early start preferred. Follow the email application instructions on the official page and provide a CV/publications, research statement and three referees.

Develop synthetic cells for sustainable biomanufacturing in Wilhelm Huck’s group and the European Propel consortium. The work combines liquid-handling robots, microscopy and active learning to optimise liposomes and cell-free protein production, ultimately converting waste streams into useful biomaterials. These full-time appointments initially last one year, with potential extensions of one or two years. Gross monthly salary is EUR 3,706–5,760 according to experience. Apply online by 15 October 2026; recruitment may close earlier when suitable candidates are found. The preferred start is 1 November 2026.

Raymundo Arróyave discusses alloy discovery guided by both metallurgical knowledge and Bayesian optimization. The approach combines physical models, high-throughput CALPHAD calculations, microstructural information and experimental feedback to search chemical and processing spaces that are difficult to explore through data alone. Examples involving high-entropy and refractory alloys address multiple objectives and constraints, including feasibility, correlated properties, uncertainty and microstructural sensitivity. The seminar then connects these decision methods to the Autonomous Robotic Metallurgist under development at his university. This platform links modular synthesis, characterization and testing with digital twins, human–robot collaboration and AI agents. The aim is a closed experimental loop in which scientific judgment and physical understanding guide automated execution.