TU Delft PhD Position 2026: Long-Term Reasoning and Adaptive Learning for Human-Aware Robot Autonomy

TU Delft PhD Position 2026: Long-Term Reasoning and Adaptive Learning for Human-Aware Robot Autonomy

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Netherlands invites applications for a fully funded PhD position on Long-Term Reasoning and Adaptive Learning for Human-Aware Robot Autonomy. The position is part of the EU-funded OPERA project, offering an exciting opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), adaptive learning, and autonomous systems.

The successful candidate will join the Cognitive Robotics Department and contribute to the development of intelligent robots capable of long-term reasoning, adaptive learning, and safe interaction in dynamic human-centered environments.

Position Details

Position: PhD Candidate

Research Title: Long-Term Reasoning and Adaptive Learning for Human-Aware Robot Autonomy

Institution: Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Department: Cognitive Robotics

Project: OPERA (EU-Funded Research Project)

Location: Delft, Netherlands

About the Project

The OPERA project aims to advance General-Purpose Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) for robotics by enabling autonomous robots to reason over extended time horizons, continuously learn from new experiences, and safely adapt to changing environments.

Unlike conventional robotic systems that primarily react to immediate sensor inputs, this research focuses on developing robots capable of combining fast reactive behaviour (System 1) with deliberate long-term reasoning (System 2).

The project seeks to create robots that can understand task structures, maintain memory of previous experiences, and make intelligent decisions while interacting safely with people.

Research Objectives

The selected PhD candidate will work on developing novel AI methods for:

• Long-term reasoning in autonomous robots.

• Adaptive learning for changing environments.

• Human-aware robot decision-making.

• Safe and trustworthy robot autonomy.

• Memory-based planning and semantic reasoning.

• Robust adaptation to uncertainty and environmental changes.

The research aims to enable robots to remain reliable and effective even when operating conditions evolve over time.

Key Responsibilities

The selected candidate will:

• Develop algorithms for long-term reasoning in autonomous robots.

• Design adaptive learning techniques for human-centered environments.

• Investigate memory-based planning and semantic representations.

• Develop methods for robust robot decision-making under uncertainty.

• Explore reinforcement learning, imitation learning, and adaptive control approaches.

• Research predictive control and hierarchical planning techniques.

• Improve robot interaction by adapting behaviour based on:

  • Human proximity

  • Predicted human intent

  • Task context

  • Environmental changes

  • Model uncertainty

• Contribute to the development of reliable and trustworthy autonomous robotic systems.

• Publish research findings in leading international journals and conferences.

Research Areas

This interdisciplinary project covers several advanced research domains, including:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• General-Purpose AI (GPAI)

• Robotics

• Human-Aware Robotics

• Cognitive Robotics

• Autonomous Systems

• Adaptive Learning

• Reinforcement Learning

• Imitation Learning

• Semantic Reasoning

• Robot Planning

• Predictive Control

• Safe AI

• Human-Robot Interaction

• Machine Learning

Research Environment

The successful candidate will join the Cognitive Robotics Department at TU Delft and conduct research under the supervision of:

• Prof. Robert Babuška

• Dr. Laura Ferranti

The position is embedded within the Reliable Robot Control Lab, offering access to:

• World-class robotics laboratories.

• Advanced AI and robotics research infrastructure.

• International collaboration through the EU-funded OPERA consortium.

• Interdisciplinary expertise in robotics, AI, and autonomous systems.

• Excellent mentoring and professional development opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

The ideal candidate should possess:

• A strong technical background in robotics, artificial intelligence, computer science, or a related engineering discipline.

• Strong interest in safe, intelligent, and adaptive robot autonomy.

• Motivation to conduct interdisciplinary research combining long-term reasoning, learning, and human-aware robotics.

• Excellent analytical, programming, and problem-solving skills.

• Good written and spoken English communication skills.

Applicants from diverse academic backgrounds with relevant expertise are encouraged to apply.

Why Join TU Delft?

The selected PhD candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Work on a prestigious EU-funded research project.

• Develop next-generation AI technologies for autonomous robots.

• Collaborate with leading European researchers and industry partners.

• Contribute to open-source robotics software and internationally recognized research.

• Access state-of-the-art robotics laboratories and research facilities.

• Publish high-impact research and present at leading international conferences.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the official TU Delft careers portal, along with all required documents specified in the vacancy announcement.

Applicants are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and selection process before submitting their application.

Official Source

Organization: Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Department: Cognitive Robotics

Project: OPERA (EU-Funded Research Project)

Country: Netherlands

Researchers interested in artificial intelligence, robotics, adaptive learning, cognitive robotics, human-aware systems, and trustworthy autonomous technologies are encouraged to apply for this fully funded PhD opportunity.

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