PhD position: Robotic methods for collecting data and samples within the forest canopy in Zürich

100%, Zurich, temporary

The Environmental Robotics Laboratory () was recently established at the Department of Environmental Systems Science. The group is seeking highly motivated PhD students to study and develop innovative robotics methods for the exploration of forest canopies.

Forests cover approximately 30% of the Earth’s surface, yet their canopies remain among the most challenging and underexplored environments. Forests are crucial, high-impact regions for the welfare of human society due to their importance for biodiversity, climate regulation and ecological balance. However, their canopies are restraining from exploration because of their physical properties: they reach heights of 20-60 meters above the ground and are often shielded by leaves and an intricate network of branches. For this reason, the understanding, sustainable exploitation and management of forest canopies has been constantly slowed down by a very simple challenge: how to access and collect data from such an impenetrable habitat with adequate spatial and temporal resolution? And this challenge is becoming even more critical today, due to the disruption of canopy functions caused by climate changes, land-use competition, invasive species and wildfires.

At ERL, we study the science and technology of new multi-modal robots for comprehensive canopy exploration. The goal is to develop semiautonomous robots to navigate within forest canopies, and to collect data and biological samples at different spatial and temporal scales. In doing so, we will address key scientific questions on multi-modal locomotion, perception and soft manipulation necessary to interact with complex natural environments.

Measurements taken within forest canopy are fundamental in our efforts to better understand and monitor our forests and preserve the benefits our society draws from them. However, collecting data and samples in the forest canopy is a lengthy and laborious task due to the structural complexity, density and unpredictability of these regions. To date, these measurements are only possible with climbers who must reach 20-60 meters above the ground. At ERL we are developing locomotion and perception strategies to allow aerial robots, instead of climbers, to reach and explore the forest canopy. Our goal is now to use these machines to collect measurements and samples at different spatial and temporal scales.

The research will specifically look at new robotic methods to: (i) bring and deploy sensors in the canopy, allowing us to acquire high spatial and temporal resolution data (temperature, humidity, light, etc.), (ii) collect biological samples (leaves, insects, etc.). You will:

• Conceive new strategies to deliver payloads (e.g. sensors / insect traps) on the stem and branches of trees using aerial robots.
• Experiment with novel functional materials, soft architectures and manufacturing approaches to implement adhesion mechanisms to secure the sensors on trees (e.g. smart materials, origami manufacturing methods).
• Manufacture the proposed solutions and validate them on the field.

The PhD project will be hosted at ETH and WSL, where the experiments inspiring these questions are being performed. This offers a unique opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary team of roboticists, ecologists and biologists with tight feedback between experiment and theory, and the possibility to access state-of-the-art field sites.

You should hold an MSc degree with a background in robotics, mechanical engineering,electronics or aerospace engineering. A proven experience in the design and prototyping of robotics systems is required. Experience in the fields of aerial robotics and soft robotics will be beneficial but not required. Fluent communication skills (written and presentation) in English are essential. The preferred starting date is the beginning of 2021.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.