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

Job description

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 11th, 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)   [staat bij de werkgever] and/or Kostantinos Nizamis (UT-ET)   [staat bij de werkgever]

The first (online) jobinterviews are scheduled for September 29, October 1 and October 2.

Screening is part of the procedure

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 res