Artificial Intelligence

MERL is seeking interns passionate about robotics to contribute to the development of an Active Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (Active SLAM) framework guided by Large Language Models (LLM). The core objective is to achieve autonomous behavior for mobile robots. The methods will be implemented and evaluated in high performance simulators and (time-permitting) in actual robotic platforms, such as legged and wheeled robots. The expectation at the end of the internship is a publication at a top-tier robotic or computer vision conference and/or journal.

The internship has a flexible start date (Spring/Summer 2025), with a duration of 3-6 months depending on agreed scope and intermediate progress.

Required Specific Experience

• Current/Past Enrollment in a PhD Program in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Experience with employing and fine-tuning LLM and/or Visual Language Models (VLM) for high-level context-aware planning and navigation
• 2+ years experience with 3D computer vision (e.g., point cloud, voxels, camera pose estimation) and mapping, filter-based methods (e.g., EKF), and in at least some of: motion planning algorithms, factor graphs, control, and optimization
• Excellent programming skills in Python and/or C/C++, with prior knowledge in ROS2 and high-fidelity simulators such as Gazebo, Isaac Lab, and/or Mujoco

Additional Desired Experience

• Prior experience with implementation and/or development of SLAM algorithms on robotic hardware, including acquisition, processing, and fusion of multimodal sensor data such as proprioceptive and exteroceptive sensors

MERL is looking for a highly motivated and qualified intern to work on deep learning methods for detection and pose estimation of objects using vision and tactile sensing, in manufacturing and assembly environments. This role involves developing, fine-tuning and deploying models on existing hardware. The method will be applied for robotic manipulation where the knowledge of accurate position and orientation of objects within the scene would allow the robot to interact with the objects. The ideal candidate would be a Ph.D. student familiar with the state-of-the-art methods for pose estimation and tracking of objects. The successful candidate will work closely with MERL researchers to develop and implement novel algorithms, conduct experiments, and publish research findings at a top-tier conference. Start date and expected duration of the internship is flexible. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply with their updated CV and list of relevant publications.

Required Specific Experience

• Prior experience in Computer Vision and Robotic Manipulation.
• Experience with ROS and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch are essential.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Experience with simulation tools, such as PyBullet, Issac Lab, or MuJoCo.

We are on the lookout for passionate and skilled interns to join our cutting-edge research team focused on developing efficient machine learning techniques for sustainability. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in the field of AI and environmental conservation, with the aim of publishing at leading AI research venues.

What We're Looking For:

• Advanced research experience in generative models and computationally efficient models
• Hands-on skills for large language models (LLM), vision language models (VLM), large multi-modal models (LMM), foundation models (FoMo)
• Deep understanding of state-of-the-art machine learning methods
• Proficiency in Python and PyTorch
• Familiarity with various deep learning frameworks
• Ph.D. candidates who have completed at least half of their program

Internship Details:

• Duration: approximately 3 months
• Flexible start dates available
• Objective: publish research results at leading AI research venues

If you are a highly motivated individual with a passion for applying AI to sustainability challenges, we want to hear from you! This internship offers a unique chance to work on meaningful projects at the intersection of machine learning and environmental sustainability.