Visiting Scholar

Clearpath Robotics; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Visiting Scholar to lead R&D efforts in autonomous robotics. This role offers the chance to collaborate with a global community, pushing the boundaries of technology in navigation, deep learning, and AI. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in research and development, with a strong publication record, and will be instrumental in translating theoretical advancements into real-world applications. Join this exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in the robotics field, working alongside experts and contributing to groundbreaking projects.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in R&D for robotics.
• Strong publication record in navigation and AI fields.
• Hands-on experience with software on physical robots.

Responsibilities

• Conduct R&D in navigation and robotics.
• Collaborate and mentor R&D contributors.
• Engage with academia for technology transfer.

Skills

Navigation

Planning

Perception

Mapping

Deep Learning

Reinforcement Learning

Generative AI

C++

Python

Experimental Analysis

Education

Degree in Computer Science

Degree in Engineering

Degree in Applied Physics

Degree in Mathematics

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Ceres

OMPL

ROS1

ROS2

Gazebo

CUDA

Job description

Job Type : 1-3 Year Contract. Sabbaticals welcome.

Experience : 5+ Years of Relevant Experience

Education : in Computer Science, Engineering, or Equivalent

About OTTO Motors by Rockwell Automation

OTTO Motors is a global leader in autonomous technology for material handling inside manufacturing and warehouse facilities. With over five million hours of production experience, OTTO autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) are trusted in mission-critical operations for some of the world’s most recognized brands. OTTO Motors was recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Robotics Companies of 2023. For more information, visit.

OTTO was acquired by Rockwell Automation in 2023. Rockwell is a global industrial automation and digital transformation technology leader focused on helping the world’s manufacturers be more productive, sustainable, and agile. With more than 28,000 employees, we are committed to making a positive impact worldwide.

About the job

As OTTO’s first ‘Visiting Scholar’, you will help us explore how we can accelerate and scale up R&D efforts, both internally and across the field. You will collaborate with our team and the global robotics community—including academia and open-source projects. You should be a well-published expert in navigation, planning, perception, mapping, deep learning, reinforcement learning, or generative AI, with substantial R&D experience that combines theory and practical application. This role offers a unique opportunity to conduct impactful R&D, transition it into real-world products, and publish results rapidly. If you are passionate about applying your theoretical work to real-world challenges, we encourage you to apply.

Your primary responsibilities will be :

• Conducting direct R&D in your area of expertise
• Collaborating with and mentoring R&D contributors
• Engaging with academic institutions for technology transfer, dataset development, sharing, and joint publications
• Representing OTTO Motors as a technology leader through patents, publications, open-source contributions, and presentations
• Understanding and communicating advancements in your area relevant to autonomous mobile robotics, including trends and past work

Required Experience / Skills :

• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Mathematics, or equivalent
• Significant independent R&D experience, such as a postdoc, professor, or within a corporate or academic research lab
• Broad knowledge of navigation, planning, perception, mapping, deep learning, reinforcement learning, generative AI, applicable to autonomous robots
• Familiarity with hardware technologies related to sensing, computation, communication, and actuation
• Multiple publications in notable journals or conferences in related fields
• Experience with software development, testing methodologies, and tools
• Experience presenting and representing work publicly
• Hands-on experience with software development and deployment on physical robots
• Proficiency in C++, Python, and ideally additional languages like Lua or Rust
• Experience with libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Ceres, or OMPL
• Familiarity with ROS1, ROS2, Gazebo, CUDA, and other frameworks
• Strong skills in experimental analysis and benchmarking