EngD on AI-robotic integration for arm assistance in home settings

• • Vacancies • EngD on AI-robotic integration for arm assistance in home settingsTo vacancy overviewApply now • • • • • ETEngDEngD on AI-robotic integration for arm assistance in home settingsDo you want to develop innovative healthcare technology that directly improves people’s lives with international partners? Are you excited about combining artificial intelligence, robotics, and user-centred design to address real-world challenges? Then this EngD position at the University of Twente could be the opportunity you are looking forApply now • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Tjerkje Dijkstra • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Peter Chemweno • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Christopher Balfe • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Mina Shahi • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Mark Vlutters • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Anouk Bomers • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Suzanne Hulscher • Hi! Are you my new colleague?Floriana Anselmucci • • • • • • • • Key takeaways • Hours 40 hr. • Salary indicationSalary gross/monthly based on full-time € 3,029 • Deadline 20 Sep 2026 SAISaAR-bot. Supporting AI-based system for autonomous use of the iFLOAT robotic arm for assistance and rehabilitation in home settings. SAISaAR-bot, is a Vanguard Vinnovate project that builds collaboration between two European Regions (East Netherlands, The Netherlands, and Emilia-Romagna, Italy). Healthcare systems across Europe are facing growing challenges due to ageing populations, increasing demand for care, and shortages of healthcare professionals. Assistive technologies can play a key role in enabling people to remain independent for longer and reducing pressure on care providers. In this EngD project, you will contribute to the development of a next-generation assistive system that combines robotics and artificial intelligence to support people in their daily lives. Working together with academic, clinical, and industrial partners, you will help bring innovative technology closer to practical implementation in home-care environments. Your Challenge The project focuses on the further development of the iFLOAT, an innovative upper-limb support system developed by Assistive Innovations. Currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, the system has demonstrated its potential to support people with limited arm and shoulder function. Your task will be to explore and develop an AI-enhanced Human-Machine Interface (HMI) that enables a more intuitive and adaptive use of the system in home settings. The goal is to create a supportive solution that can adapt to changing user needs and assist with activities of daily living and provide additional control of the active layer. Working closely with end users, clinicians, academics, and industrial partners, you will contribute to the design, testing, and validation of a solution that combines technical innovation with practical usability. Your Environment This project brings together expertise from two leading European MedTech regions: East Netherlands (The Netherlands) and Emilia-Romagna (Italy). You will work within an international consortium consisting of: · University of Twente · Assistive Innovations B.V. () · Re:Lab s.r.l. () · Stichting Revalidatiecentrum Roessingh () The collaboration offers a unique opportunity to work across academia, healthcare, and industry while developing solutions with a clear societal impact. What You Will Do As an EngD candidate, you will focus on translating knowledge into practical technological solutions. Your activities may include: · Designing and developing AI-supported human-machine interaction concepts. · Integrating emerging technologies into assistive robotic systems. · Working with patients and healthcare professionals to identify user needs and validate solutions. · Developing and testing prototypes in collaboration with industrial partners. · Evaluating usability, functionality, and implementation potential. · Contributing to the demonstration of a technology solution that advances the iFLOAT system from a TRL 6 to 7. Why the University of Twente? At the University of Twente, technology and societal impact go hand in hand. You will join a dynamic and supportive community where researchers, designers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and healthcare professionals work together to solve meaningful challenges. Our green and vibrant campus offers an inspiring working environment with excellent facilities, a strong international community, and numerous opportunities for professional and personal development. Colleagues are approachable, collaboration across disciplines is encouraged, and new ideas are valued. You will become part of a team that combines scientific excellence in co-design and engineering with a friendly, informal atmosphere where people enjoy working together and supporting one another. Join us in shaping the future of assistive technology and home-based care. Together, we can create solutions that increase independence, improve quality of life, and contribute to more sustainable healthcare systems. Your profile • You have knowledge and skills in Artificial Intelligence, User-Centred Design, Programming, and Rehabilitation Robotics. • You have experience/interest in Healthcare Innovation and Assistive Technologies. • You have, or will shortly, acquire a master's degree in the field of Biomedical Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary international research environment. • You have an entrepreneurial mindset and enthusiasm for developing practical solutions. • You have a good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment. • Fluent in spoken and written English. Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Our offer • Two-year full-time EngD position, where scientific and research domains are combined optimally with education and practical implementation of innovative design. • Full status as an employee at the UT, including pension and health care benefits. • A tailor-made post-master design programme that has an educational component (50%) as well as a design project (50%). • Visits to national and international conferences. • A gross monthly salary of €3029 gross per month. • An annual holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, and an annual year-end bonus of 8.3%. • Minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment. • A work environment on a green and lively campus with (free access) to sports and leisure facilities. • Mentorship that supports your professional and personal growth. • On successfully completing the programme, you will receive a certified degree. You will be entitled to use the academic degree EngD and will be registered as a Technological Designer in the Dutch register kept by the Royal Institution of Engineers in the Netherlands (KIVI). Information and application Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before September 21th, and include: • A cover letter (maximum 2 pages of A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position. • A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references. • An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact (Francesca Toso (UT-ET) f.toso@utwente.nl and/or Kostantinos Nizamis (UT-ET) k.nizamis@utwente.nl The first (online) jobinterviews are scheduled for September 29, October 1 and October 2. Screening is part of the procedure Apply nowShare this vacancy • • • • About the organisation At the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we work on engineering for impact: developing smart, sustainable, human-centred and technological solutions for societal challenges. We connect fundamental education, research and practice across five core domains: Asset & Maintenance engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalised Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy and Resources. We work on education and research in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and industrial design engineering. Together, we learn by making, creating, and innovating, addressing challenges in a solution-oriented way. Quality, connection and inclusivity are the foundation of our culture. In our open community, students, researchers and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners. This enables us to develop insights, applications and solutions that add value to society. Want to know moreToso, F. (Francesca) Assistant ProfessorToso, F. (Francesca) Assistant ProfessorDo you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Francesca for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.ContactEmail:f.toso@utwente.nl How to applyStep 1Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.Apply nowStep 2Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.Step 31st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.Step 42nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.Step 5The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening. Your Colleagues • Bonnema, G.M. (Maarten)Personal page • Nizamis, K. (Kostas)Personal page • Toso, F. (Francesca)Personal page About The Faculty ETCurious about what the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) stands for? Check out the ET website for more information.Go to the ET websiteA job that mattersCreate new opportunities for yourself, your colleagues and our society. Scientist or teacher, administrator or facilitator, thinker or doer, energetic leader or silent support – your work at the University of Twente matters. And you too!Stories from UT'ers • • • Our mission Human TouchAt the University of Twente, technology is all about people. We call this High Tech, Human Touch. This same belief is reflected in the way the Human Resources department operates. We believe that a strong organization starts with people who are given the space to grow, take initiative, and make a difference. That is why we are building a working environment in which everyone can thrive. • Our mission We are a university of technologyOur university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world. • Our mission We help to strengthen societyWe help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life. • Our mission We are sustainableWe want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.” Browse all jobs