Manoj Karkee

Cornell University’s Ag Robotics Lab is advertising two PhD opportunities in AI and robotics for agriculture . The positions focus on building autonomous robotic systems for fruit crops in complex, unstructured field environments. Research themes highlighted in the post include multimodal sensing and machine vision (LiDAR, RGB-D), machine learning and deep learning (3D reconstruction, detection), robotic manipulation for crop production (harvesting/thinning), motion planning, control, and autonomy for outdoor field robotics, and AI-enabled decision-making and sustainability . The post names Manoj Karkee and indicates the opportunity is within his group at Cornell University . The lab is described as well resourced, with access to large-scale field experiments including commercial farms, and a collaborative environment with Stanford and Carnegie Mellon University . Eligibility: Applicants should have an MS or a BS/BE for direct PhD entry in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field. Relevant experience in robotics, AI/ML, machine vision, Python/C++, ROS/ROS2, and field robotics is preferred. Funding: The post states that a competitive stipend is offered. No deadline is given; the start is described as rolling. How to apply: Interested candidates should email Manoj Karkee at [email protected] with a CV and transcripts. The post does not provide a formal application portal.

PhD positions in AI, robotics, and precision agriculture are open at Cornell University. Manoj Karkee’s AgRobotics lab is seeking two highly motivated PhD students to work on autonomous robotic systems for fruit crop production in complex, unstructured field environments. The research sits at the intersection of computer science, robotics, agriculture, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering . Core topics include multimodal sensing and machine vision for crop perception, machine learning and deep learning for detection/tracking/3D reconstruction, robotic manipulation for harvesting and thinning, motion planning and control, and AI-enabled decision-making for sustainable agriculture. Eligible applicants should have an MS or BS/BE for a direct PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering/Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field. The post highlights strong preparation in robotics, AI/ML, machine vision, autonomous systems, Python/C++, ROS/ROS2, field robotics, mechatronics, or agricultural systems, plus strong analytical, algorithmic, and experimental skills. The position offers a competitive stipend, a well-resourced lab, a trans-disciplinary team environment, and access to large-scale field experiments, including commercial farms. Students may also collaborate with research groups at Cornell, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon University. To apply, interested candidates should contact Manoj Karkee directly by email with a CV and transcripts. No deadline is stated in the post.