The Doctoral Student in Interpretable and Experience-Driven Learning for Collaborative Robots Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded PhD opportunity offered by the Division of Systems and Control at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. The project focuses on developing interpretable artificial intelligence for collaborative robots (cobots) that can safely and intelligently work alongside humans.

This research is part of the MILE-Cobots project (Multidimensional Interpretable Learning for Experience-Driven Collaborative Robots), funded by the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet).

About the Doctoral Student in Interpretable and Experience-Driven Learning for Collaborative Robots Scholarship

This PhD is hosted in the Department of Electrical Engineering, specifically within the Division of Systems and Control.

For the 2026 intake, the position:

  • Is a fully funded 4–5 year PhD (with teaching extension option)
  • Focuses on human-robot collaboration (HRC) and interpretable AI
  • Develops experience-driven learning systems for collaborative robots
  • Is part of the MILE-Cobots research project (Swedish Research Council funded)
  • Includes implementation on real robotic platforms and simulation environments
  • Combines machine learning, robotics, control systems, and AI explainability
  • Requires collaboration with academic and industrial partners

Research Focus

The project aims to improve how robots understand and interact with humans in shared environments.

Key research areas include:

  • Interpretable artificial intelligence for robotics
  • Human intention recognition and adaptive behavior
  • Experience-based learning and robotic memory systems
  • Collaborative task planning and role allocation
  • Safe human-robot interaction in dynamic environments
  • Robot learning from success and failure experiences

The goal is to build robots that are not only intelligent but also transparent, explainable, and trustworthy.

Why Choose The Doctoral Student in Interpretable and Experience-Driven Learning for Collaborative Robots Scholarship?

This PhD is ideal for students interested in robotics, AI, and human-centered machine intelligence.

At Chalmers University of Technology, candidates benefit from:

  • Strong research in robotics, automation, and control systems
  • Access to advanced robotic labs, including SAFER and Revere Laboratory
  • Hands-on work with collaborative robots and mobile manipulators
  • Opportunities to publish in top robotics and AI journals
  • Collaboration with industry and international academic partners
  • Training in both theoretical AI and real-world robotic systems

Doctoral Student in Interpretable and Experience-Driven Learning for Collaborative Robots Scholarship Summary

  • Host Country: Sweden
  • University: Chalmers University of Technology
  • Department: Electrical Engineering (Systems and Control Division)
  • Position Type: Fully funded PhD (Doctoral student)
  • Field: Robotics / Interpretable AI / Human-Robot Interaction
  • Project: MILE-Cobots (Swedish Research Council funded)
  • Focus: Collaborative robots and explainable AI systems
  • Duration: 4 years (extendable to 5 with teaching duties)
  • Monthly Salary: ~35,725 SEK
  • Application Deadline: 30 June 2026

Benefits

Selected candidates receive:

  • Full PhD employment with a salary
  • Monthly salary of 35,725 SEK
  • Tuition-free doctoral education in Sweden
  • Access to advanced robotics laboratories (SAFER, Revere Lab)
  • Hands-on work with real robotic systems
  • Teaching opportunities (up to 20%)
  • International research exposure and conferences
  • Strong career pathways in robotics and the AI industry/academia

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent 240 ECTS credits) in:
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Computer Science
    • Robotics
    • Applied Mathematics
    • Related fields
  • Have a strong background in:
    • Machine learning for robotics
    • Autonomous systems or AI
  • Programming skills in:
    • Python
    • C++
  • Experience with:
    • ROS (Robot Operating System)
  • Strong English communication skills
  • Interest in human-robot interaction and interpretable AI

Preferred Skills

Candidates with the following will be preferred:

  • Experience with robotics simulation tools:
    • Gazebo
    • MuJoCo
    • Isaac Sim
    • Unity
  • Experience implementing AI on robotic platforms
  • Knowledge of:
    • Robot planning and control
    • Explainable AI
    • Human intention recognition
  • Research publications or GitHub projects
  • Experience in interdisciplinary or international collaboration
  • Teaching or assistantship experience

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

  • CV (academic and technical experience)
  • Personal motivation letter (1 page)
  • Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
  • Thesis documents (if available)
  • Contact references (after interview stage)

Application Process & Timeline

  1. Prepare CV and motivation letter
  2. Submit an application via the Chalmers recruitment system
  3. Applications reviewed by the research group
  4. Shortlisted candidates invited for interviews
  5. Final selection is made
  6. Successful candidate starts PhD in Sweden