PhD in Bilateral Teleoperation of Surface Vessels under Degraded Communications
Design robust control systems for surface vessel teleoperation under degraded wireless networks.
Best for:Best for control engineering and robotics graduates with strong background in nonlinear systems, MATLAB/Simulink, and hardware experimentation.
Overview
This doctoral position focuses on developing innovative teleoperation frameworks for maritime and inland waterway vessels operating in constrained environments. Conducted jointly by the LIS laboratory at the Ecole Nationale Superieure d'Ingenieurs de Caen and the company NEAC, the project addresses the core challenge of maintaining system stability and safety despite time-varying delays and packet losses. The candidate will design continuous-discrete observers and advanced control laws for both the control center and the vessel. The work involves theoretical analysis alongside full-scale experimental trials and algorithmic implementation.
What you'll do
- Design continuous-discrete observers for robust and continuous estimation of setpoints from asynchronous measurements
- Synthesize advanced control laws on both the operator station and the vessel side to ensure architectural stability
- Analyze stability and safety guarantees under degraded wireless network conditions such as time-varying delays and packet losses
- Implement control algorithms and conduct full-scale experimental trials in collaboration with the NEAC engineering team
- Perform numerical simulations using prototyping platforms like MATLAB and Simulink
Requirements
Degree required: Engineering degree or research Master's degree in automatic control, control theory, or robotics
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; French: None
Instruction: English
- Solid analytical skills in control law synthesis and nonlinear observers
- Experience with stability analysis using Lyapunov approaches
- Advanced proficiency in MATLAB and Simulink prototyping and simulation environments
- Strong interest in experimental work and hardware implementation
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15
Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline, ensuring all required academic documents and background materials are included.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Master's degree transcripts
- Engineering degree certificates
Contact
Tomas Menard· Professor
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