Research Expert in Resilient Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping in Dynamic Environments

Research Expert in Resilient Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping in Dynamic Environments

*(ref. OZK\-2026\-26\)*

*Laatst aangepast: 18/05/26*
The Automation, Computer vision and Robotics (ACRO) research group at KU Leuven Campus Diepenbeek (Science and Technology Group) develops robotics software and hardware for diverse, novel and challenging applications. Both mobile robotics and manipulator robotics applications are targeted. ACRO builds upon advancements in sensors, compute, AI and robotics technology to address today’s needs in agriculture automation, health care, manufacturing, pharma, defense, construction and dismantling \& decommissioning of radioactive sites, among others. The developed robotic solutions are meant to automate tasks that are dangerous to humans or for which skilled labour is difficult to find, and to make task execution safer, more traceable, more efficient, and more ergonomic. An essential component in many of the group’s applications is simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), in particular for mobile (manipulator) robotics.

The ACRO research group belongs to the Department of Mechanical Engineering. It is a growing, dynamic, multi\-disciplinary research group with links to mechanical and mechatronic design, robotics, AI and computer vision. For its research, the group closely collaborates with all stakeholders in the value chain, be it end users, OEM companies, integrators or sector organisations. Several ACRO professors are PIs within Flanders Make, in particular within the Manufacturing \& Automation core lab.

The successful applicant will take the lead in developing and porting promising mapping and localisation developments to the field and in helping to translate these developments towards industrial uptake.

Responsibilities

The aim of this new research expert position is to push development and integration of simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithms and software to higher TRL levels and to start and guide scientific studies on new approaches in this field. In\-depth insights and expertise with state\-of\-the\-art SLAM algorithms, thorough understanding of underlying hardware and software models of sensors (e.g. RGB cameras, depth cameras, IMUs), strong mathematical understanding of both first\-principles\-based and Machine Learning models for sensor fusion and state estimation, and expertise with industry\-grade continuous integration software development are considered essential for this position. In addition, the integration of SLAM with decision making in mobile manipulator robotics is important, e.g. for mobile robot planning, active sensing and probabilistic human\-robot collaboration. The following responsibilities are envisioned:* Responsibility 1: developing resilient simultaneous localization and mapping technology in dynamic environments, using computer vision and Machine Learning (for SLAM), continuous integration, state estimation and sensor fusion (for SLAM). Providing assistance for and taking initiative in publications of the latest results.

• Responsibility 2: Supporting ACRO PhDs scientifically, including providing support for validation of ACRO PhD projects and PhD research. Contributing to (open\-source) SLAM\-related software development and the development of public datasets.


• Responsibility 3: being a liaison with industry (end users, OEM manufacturers, integrators, sector organizations) in different SLAM\-related applications, industry support regarding ACRO’s living lab with sensors (RGB, depth, lidar, IMU, etc.), being the main contact with industry partners to support industry\-initiated requests for SLAM\-related applications. Bring ACRO’s SLAM software to a sufficiently high TRL for adoption by companies.


• Responsibility 4: daily supervisor and/or coordinator of SLAM\-related national and international ACRO projects. Expanding ACRO’s network with industry. Interaction with LRD and eventual new IOF managers e.g. on patents, support of IP generation, setting up of bilateral collaborations. Management of project IP.


• Responsibility 5: outreach and dissemination, both focusing on scientific and industry\-oriented dissemination channels. Push the ACRO brand. Provide support in didactical tasks related to SLAM and mobile (manipulation) robotics in general.

Profile

The aim of this new research expert position is to push the development and exploitation of SLAM algorithms and software to a sufficiently high TRL level for deployment in various applications in collaboration with companies.
Candidates should have a PhD in mobile robotics or SLAM.
Candidates should have demonstrated expertise with development of SLAM software (e.g. feature\-based or direct visual SLAM, methods, bundle adjustment, pose graph optimization), 3D computer vision and machine learning (preferably in C\+\+, Python). This includes thorough understanding and expertise with relevant C\+\+ libraries (e.g. Eigen, Ceres, OpenCV, manif) and Python scientific toolchains (e.g. numpy, scikit\-learn). This furthermore includes having in\-depth knowledge of Machine Learning DevOps and having expertise with important Machine Learning models and algorithms.
Next, candidates should demonstrate in\-depth knowledge and expertise with a multitude of sensors for sensor fusion, including IMUs, encoders, lidar sensors, cameras, and depth cameras.
Moreover, the candidate should have a strong background in mathematics and probabilistic algorithms, such as but not limited to knowledge on the Special Euclidean Group SE(3\), mathematical optimization, linear algebra, non\-linear optimization, Kalman and Particle Filters.
Experience in mobile robotics and human\-robot collaboration is an added value.
Also, professional expertise with continuous integration and other software tools is highly valued, e.g. with CMake and versioning tools such as git. Furthermore, experience with industry\-grade testing and validation of SLAM algorithms, and bringing SLAM algorithms to a sufficiently high TRL level for applications is important.
Candidates should be able to constructively work with end\-users, integrators, OEM manufacturers and sector organizations in different application fields. Candidates should be able to supervise master and PhD students and should be able to guide them and their developments to higher TRL levels. Candidates should have solid social and communicative skills and should be able to work in team or to lead teams of researchers. For these purposes, a solid knowledge of Dutch is important, both in speaking and writing.
We are seeking candidates with demonstrated capability to acquire competitive funding to support research and translation towards the industry, and who have strong written and oral reporting skills.
The ACRO research group is part of the Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics (RAM) division. The successful candidate is expected to establish bridges between ACRO and the overarching RAM and related divisions, to explore and to identify opportunities for collaboration with those groups.
Offer

A permanent position as research expert is offered. The successful candidate will take on a leading role in research and translation of the group’s simultaneous localization and mapping technology and state estimation, based on sensor fusion and combination of first\-principles and novel ML models, and will be the group's main contact for this purpose.
Appointment within KU Leuven’s OZK (Research Framework) as Research Expert (level depending on experience), with salary and benefits according to the applicable OZK pay scales and relevant experience.
research unit ACRO

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Eric Demeester, mail

You can apply for this job no later than June 01, 2026 via the online application tool

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

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01/06/2026 23:59 CET
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