Missions

The post-doc position takes place in the project LEASARD funded by CominLabs which aims to increase the navigation autonomy of drones as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) in a search and rescue scenario using computer vision while optimizing the energy efficiency of embedded systems.

The scientific objectives of the position are within the context of the navigation of drones in a cluttered environment with obstacles in a flight arena:
- Study the comparisons of existing SLAM techniques using standard cameras and SLAM techniques using event-based camera for drone navigation.
- Study SLAM techniques first a baseline without DNN and after investigations a DNN-improved version.
- Study shared SLAM algorithms between several drones using event-based cameras: how can we exchange and merge maps between drones?
- Evaluations in a simulated environment (Airsim / Gazebo)
- Integration on UAVs of sensors such as event-based cameras and software integrating neural networks on low power consumption hardware boards with the support of engineers.
The work will be carried out on the LS2N's laboratory and the post-doc will have access to the experimental UAV equipment in interaction with researchers and engineers working on the project. The post-doc will be required to collaborate with other partners (engineers, post-docs) of the project in Brest and may be required to carry out experiments on the partners sites.

Activities

• participate in the simulation and experimentation environment dedicated to the UAV fleet by integrating the appropriate sensors for the project,
• implement SLAM algorithms for drones,
• integrate sensors on the UAVs to carry out experimental tests in the air with the support of engineers,
• write technical reports and publications of the results and experiments,
• structure and document the developed software,
• participate in project meetings and exchange with project members.

Skills

• Hold a PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer vision, …
• General knowledge of engineering sciences (electronic, control, vision...).
• Knowledge of programming languages (Python, C++). Knowledge of the ROS or ROS2 environment would be appreciated.
• Skills in software and hardware integration (integration of external sensors).
• Ability to communicate on work and promote results.
• Good English language skill, oral and written.

Work Context

The position is attached to the Digital Sciences Laboratory of Nantes (LS2N) which depends on 4 partners: the CNRS, the University of Nantes, Centrale Nantes, and IMT Atlantique. This laboratory of more than 200 researchers and teacher-researchers is spread over 5 sites in Nantes, of which Centrale Nantes has the highest concentration.
The recruited person will be part of the ARMEN team (Autonomy of Robots and Control of Interactions with the Environment) of the LS2N located on the Centrale Nantes site. The members of the team and of the laboratory working on drones have an "arena" dedicated to the implementation of scientific developments.