Doctoral Student in Real-Time Humanoid AI, Lionhead Studios and
The University of Bath
We
are looking for an AI researcher and programmer of exceptional promise
to complete a four-year doctoral degree. The dissertation would
be
supervised by Dr. Joanna Bryson
of the University
of Bath, but three of the four years would be conducted largely on
site at Lionhead
Studios in Guildford.
The target of the research is to use the rich set of input sensory data
such as that available from Microsoft’s Natal system to create a
humanoid game character
that will enhance the human computer interaction experience. The
research should make use of multiple concurrent sensory inputs
including depth, skeletal position or user pose, optical and audio with
a speech recognition engine. These
inputs may be used as part of communication exchanges, emotional
empathy, and possibly physical interactions of some kind such that
under a restricted set of circumstances it would appear that the Turing
test had been passed between the character on the computer and the
human subject. Systems AI engineering will be emphasised,
as we aim
to develop not only impressive demonstrations, but reusable components
for human-like AI systems. The
programming environment for Natal requires strong C++ skills. Knowledge
of programming for virtual environments including the use but not
development of animation and rendering engines would be a distinct
advantage. Knowledge of lua would also be an advantage.
The doctoral position is funded through the Centre
For Digital Entertainment,
an EPSRC-funded joint initiative of Bath & Bournemouth, with
additional support from Lionhead. The degree includes a taught
component, with courses negotiated between the candidate, the
university & Lionhead.
Candidates are asked to make an application through the the Centre's
ordinary procedure (http://www.digital-entertainment.org/info-applicants.html),
however
please emphasise experience in artificial intelligence (e.g.
real-time perception & action selection, machine learning,
affective / interactive humanoid intelligence) rather than focussing
exclusively on animation. Also, be certain to mention the
specific
project. The CDE positions are fully funded for UK & EU
citizens
who have been resident in the UK for at least three years, and
partially-funded for EU citizens who are not resident. Other
international applicants are welcome, but must provide their own
funding.
[ For a version of this advertisement with hyperlinks, see
http://www.cs.bath.ac.uk/~jjb/here/LionheadCDEMar10.html ]