Open positions and available theses titles

Software defined radios for joint communication and sensing applications
Position: Master’s Thesis
Research objectives: The proposed research project aims to explore the capabilities of software-defined radio (SDR) devices, specifically the Ettus/National Instruments (NI) boards, for innovative applications in wireless communication. The main objective is to develop an open-source software framework that enables SDR devices to be used for testing new digital modulations, particularly in the context of joint communication and sensing (JCAS).
Proposed research activity: In collaboration with academic partners, this research will focus on designing, implementing, and testing novel algorithms for digital modulation and signal processing using SDR technology. The candidate will be responsible for configuring and, possibly, optimizing the Ettus/NI hardware, developing a flexible software platform, and evaluating its performance for real-world applications. The project aims to deliver a valuable tool to the research community, with the results documented in a technical paper to support further advancements in wireless communication technologies.
Available: now
Location: Modena, Italy
Further details about this topic: Joint Communication and Sensing

Indoor localization and tracking
Position: Master’s Thesis
Research objectives: The proposed research project aims at developing new techniques, based on the use of ultra-wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth, for locating and tracking multiple people in indoor environments.
Proposed research activity: In the context of collaboration between industrial partners in the region (including a multinational corporation), an exciting research activity is proposed aimed at developing algorithms for indoor localization and tracking of people. The candidate will be responsible, in close synergy with the aforementioned companies, for overseeing the installation of state-of-the-art technology and the development of innovative localization and tracking algorithms.
Available: now
Location: Modena, Italy

Indoor localization and tracking
Position: Research Fellow (1 year)
Research objectives: The proposed research project aims at developing new techniques, based on the use of ultra-wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth, for locating and tracking multiple people in indoor environments.
Proposed research activity: In the context of collaboration between industrial partners in the region (including a multinational corporation), an exciting research activity is proposed aimed at developing algorithms for indoor localization and tracking of people. The candidate will be responsible, in close synergy with the aforementioned companies, for overseeing the installation of state-of-the-art technology and the development of innovative localization and tracking algorithms.
Available: now
Location: Modena, Italy

Use of LoRaWAN and ultrawideband technologies for precise localization applications
Position: PhD course (ICT)
Research objectives: The proposed research project aims at developing new techniques, based on the joint use of Long Range (LoRa) and ultrawideband radio technologies, for locating and tracking people inside buildings. It is known that LoRa technology allows to locate goods over large distances with a small infrastructure and at low costs; ultrawideband technology, on the other hand, can be used to achieve extremely precise localization inside buildings, but over smaller distances. The activities envisaged in the research project aim at studying how the aforementioned technologies can be integrated to develop a system for the precise localization of people working in industrial environments. The information acquired by the localization system will be exploited to limit the risks that may arise in performing work activities, thus improving safety in workplaces.
Proposed research activity: This research project is motivated by the interest in the development of new embedded micro-systems equipped with dual radio technology (ultrawideband and LoRa) and which can be used both as localization anchors and as nodes for environmental sensing. These systems should be able to localize multiple people operating in industrial environments and operate with low energy consumption, being intended for the mass market. The PhD student will spend one year in the Telecommunications Laboratory of the Department of Engineering “Enzo Ferrari” (DIEF). During this period, he will focus his attention on state-of-the-art localization techniques based on ultrawideband technology and on the potential offered using LoRa technology in localization. He will spend the remaining period in the Embit research laboratories (18 months) to carry out experimental activities and at a prestigious foreign university, where he/she will be able to deepen the study of localization techniques.
Available: nov/2025 – application due to jun/2025
Location: Modena, Italy
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Development of Detection Algorithms for MIMO Radars
Position: Research Fellow (1 year)
Description: In the context of a multi-year collaboration with an important international company, a research activity about radar sensing applied to smart agriculture is proposed. The candidate will interact with engineers working in another european country (Belgium) and will develop innovative detection algorithms for MIMO radars.
Available: Now
Location: Modena, Italy

Active Noise Cancellation for Industrial Vehicle’s Cabins
Position: Master’s Thesis
Description: in the context of a collaboration with an agriculture leading company, a thesis topic focusing on the development, implementation and test of innovative Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) algorithms is proposed. The activity involves studying the ADSP-SC589 architecture from Analog Devices Inc., implementing ANC algorithms and validate the solutions through on-site measurements.
Requirements: good knowledge of programming languages C/C++ and Matlab (or Python), and the willingness to work in a team. A solid understanding of embedded multi-core systems is appreciated.
Available: Now
Location: Modena, Italy
Further details about this topic: Active Noise Cancellation

Evaluation of the LWM2M Protocol and for Wide-Area Industrial Internet of Things (IoT)
Position: Master’s Thesis
Description: the goal of this project is the evaluation and testing of the Lightweight Machine 2 Machine (LwM2M) protocol stack, by specifically characterizing its flexibility in controlling sensor resources and retrieving data, and also by analyzing its reliability, lifetime, efficiency and security. This study will be carried through simulations and a testbed emulation.
Requirements: Knowledge of communication/computer networks and the ability to program in Java, C++, possibly Python. Basic knowledge of computer security is a plus.
Financial support: the project is sponsored by the company SENSUS Xylem, that is one of the premier providers of network solutions for water distribution systems
Available: contact us
Location: Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, School of Electrical Computer and Energy Engineering Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe, USA