Description du sujet de thèse

Title: Physical realization of a neuromorphic and mechanical system for spinal regulation during sensorimotor control of the arm.
Abstract: The aim of this project is to build and test a neuromorphic and mechanical system that reproduces in real time the spinal regulations that are essential for sensorimotor control of the human arm. We have recently developed a numerical model in which a biologically plausible spinal network receives top-down commands from the brain to precisely control the movements of a biomechanical model of the arm. In this simulated neuro-mechanical model, top-down commands were optimized using a GEP (Goal Exploration Process) algorithm inspired by babbling and curiosity in infants. The present project involves implementing this spinal network model on an FPGA-type embedded digital hardware platform, and interfacing it in real time with a robotic arm whose actuators have properties close to those of biological muscles. This prototype offers numerous prospects for our understanding of the precise mechanisms of sensorimotor control in humans, and for their exploitation in bio-inspired robotics.

Contexte de travail

Introducing the Université de Bordeaux: The Université de Bordeaux is one of the most influential multidisciplinary research universities in France and the world. Firmly rooted in its core values of education and research, and through its 2030 strategic plan “Making our university model a lever for new balances, actions and impact”, the Université de Bordeaux is now stepping up its commitment to the societal challenges of the 21st century, particularly the urgent need to address climate change. As the driving force behind a number of major programs, our ambition is to be an attractive partner, sought after for its capacity to transform in the service of responsible and ethical progress. Joining us means working in a privileged environment within a particularly diverse and open professional community, benefiting from welcoming and inclusive measures, training and internal mobility. It means taking part in an academic, scientific and human adventure. It's a commitment to meeting the challenges of the 21st century.
Presentation of the structure and work environment: The person recruited will be assigned to the Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine (INCIA 'UMR CNRS 5287, Bordeaux Neurocampus), within the 'Hybrid Sensorimotor Control' (HYBRID) team, whose research mixes biological controllers and artificial systems with the aim of (i) increasing our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of sensorimotor control in humans, and (ii) exploiting this knowledge to improve the control of robotic prostheses and arms. The PhD student recruited will work on the 80 Prime 2025 SpinArm project, aimed at the physical realization of a neuromorphic and mechanical system for spinal regulation during sensorimotor control of the arm. Direct supervision and reporting will be provided by Aymar Goullet de Rugy (DR CNRS, head of INCIA's HYBRID team), and will also involve Dr Timothée Levi (Pr UB, IMS 'UMR 5218' TIPS team), partner on the 80 Prime 2025 SpinArm project.