PhD in Robotics and Embodied AI: Tactile Estimation and Control for Flexible Object Manipulation University of Montpellier in France

PhD opportunity in Robotics and Embodied AI at LIRMM, University of Montpellier, France.

The project is titled “Tactile Estimation & Control for Vision/Tactile Shape Manipulation of Flexible Objects under Uncertainty” and focuses on robotics, tactile sensing, computer vision, control, mechatronics, and embodied AI.

Research themes include dual-arm manipulation of deformable objects, vision + tactile sensing + force/torque feedback, physics-informed estimation with SOFA/FEM digital twins, uncertainty-aware modeling and control, active tactile exploration and slip detection, robust force-position and model predictive control, and generative policies for manipulation.

Supervision is listed by Philippe Fraisse and João Cavalcanti Santos at LIRMM, University of Montpellier, with Sébastien Kleff at AUCTUS, INRIA Bordeaux. The post also mentions collaboration with Prof. Harold Soh at the National University of Singapore.

Eligible backgrounds include Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Computer Vision, or Mechanics. Strong preparation in robotics modeling, dynamics, control, and programming in Python and C/C++ is expected; FEM and continuum mechanics are a plus. An English proficiency certificate is requested if available.

Application materials: CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters/references, transcript of grades, and English proficiency certificate if available.

Deadline: 20 July 2026 at 23:59. Start date: 1 November 2026.