PhD Position in Human–Machine Interfaces for Autonomous Systems Tallinn University of Technology in Estonia

This PhD position at Tallinn University of Technology focuses on advancing multimodal human–machine interfaces for the coordinated control of heterogeneous autonomous systems. The research aims to develop intuitive, unified, and robust interaction mechanisms that enable human operators to command and supervise ground, aerial, and maritime drones using speech, gestures, body movement, gaze, and wearable interfaces. The project addresses the critical challenge of reducing operator cognitive workload and improving situation awareness in defence, security, policing, and emergency-response operations, where multiple autonomous platforms must be managed efficiently and safely.

Current autonomous systems often rely on fragmented interfaces, requiring operators to interact with each platform separately, which increases complexity and risk of error. This project seeks to simplify human–machine communication through intent-based control and multimodal interaction, preserving safety, reliability, and operator authority. Dual-use applications are targeted, including both defence/security and civilian contexts such as policing support, search-and-rescue, and disaster response.

Key research areas include the design of multimodal interfaces, voice- and gesture-based command and control, intent-based task specification, supervisory control paradigms, human factors, cognitive workload, situation awareness, and safety/error mitigation in human–autonomy interaction. The project will investigate scalable, intuitive, and safety-aware frameworks that allow operators to express high-level intent, enabling autonomous systems to execute tasks while humans maintain supervision and control.

Responsibilities include researching and designing multimodal interaction concepts, developing voice and gesture control mechanisms, implementing intent-based command representations, integrating interfaces with robotic software frameworks (such as ROS), conducting user studies to evaluate usability and performance, and publishing results in peer-reviewed venues. Experimental validation and simulation campaigns are also part of the project.

Applicants should have a degree in engineering sciences (preferably robotics, computer science, AI, or related fields), excellent English communication skills, strong programming abilities in C++ and Python, and the capacity to work independently and collaboratively. Beneficial experience includes ROS and robotic middleware, human–machine interface design, autonomous robots, sensors, perception, control systems, and user studies.

The main supervisor is Tenured Associate Professor Vladimir Kuts, with co-supervision by Tenured Associate Professor Raivo Sell and Major Janar Pekarev. The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at TalTech is renowned for its research in self-driving vehicles, additive manufacturing, and engineering services for industry. TalTech is a leading Estonian university with a strong international community, modern research environment, and broad multidisciplinary interests.

Applications are open from 01.06.2026 to 30.06.2026. For detailed admission instructions, visit the PhD Admission homepage and use the provided application portal. Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements and prepare necessary documents before applying.