Tactile Sensing Researcher | Materials-Driven Robotics

Google DeepMind; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 212,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Google DeepMind in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Tactile Sensing Researcher to invent and validate novel transduction methods for a range of robot end effectors. You will bridge materials science and sensing, designing thin, conformal sensor arrays and collaborating with AI researchers to integrate tactile data into closed-loop control.

Responsibilities include exploring new sensing modalities, using COMSOL/Ansys for modeling, defining materials and substrates, and prototyping sensor arrays across

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 4 years of experience working on tactile sensing or flexible electronics.
• PhD in Materials Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a relevant technical field.
• 8 years of experience with published contributions to the field of tactile sensing or flexible electronics.

Responsibilities

• Own the exploration and design of novel tactile sensing modalities tailored for a versatile suite of custom robotic manipulators.
• Utilize expert simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, Ansys) to model the complex interactions between materials and sensing elements.
• Define technical fabrics and elastomeric substrates with specific mechanical properties and implement manufacturing techniques to prototype novel sensor arrays.
• Partner with AI researchers to align sensor hardware with manipulation algorithms, ensuring tactile data is effectively utilized for closed-loop control across various form factors.
• Establish testing protocols to evaluate sensor performance in simulation-to-reality environments across multiple manipulation platforms.

Skills

Tactile sensing

Materials science

Robotics

Electrical engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science/Robotics/Electrical Engineering

Tools

COMSOL

ANSYS

Job description

Google DeepMind in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Tactile Sensing Researcher to invent and validate novel transduction methods for a range of robot end effectors. You will bridge materials science and sensing, designing thin, conformal sensor arrays and collaborating with AI researchers to integrate tactile data into closed-loop control.

Responsibilities include exploring new sensing modalities, using COMSOL/Ansys for modeling, defining materials and substrates, and prototyping sensor arrays across