Control of Structurally Adaptive Small Unmanned Aerial Systems

This Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program (ARL-RAP) opportunity focuses on control systems for structurally adaptive small unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The research aims to develop complex and atypical vehicle designs that create new modalities of maneuver for flight through congested environments low to the ground. The position requires expertise in transitioning theoretical or simulation-based controllers to experimental hardware platforms, with the end goal being flight demonstration of unique small UAS behaviors that are typically not possible or are un-automated. Research will involve compliant and adaptive structures needed for complex behaviors such as high-speed object avoidance, perching, and soaring. The successful candidate will work with the Weapons and Materials Research Directorate (WMRD) at DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory to develop real-time dynamics models and experimental flight demonstrations. This postdoctoral research associateship provides an opportunity to work at the forefront of autonomous aerial vehicle technology, contributing to Army research in propulsion/flight physics and advanced materials for future land warfare applications.