Soft robotics represents a transformative approach to creating robots that are inherently safer and more adaptive to real-world environments. Unlike traditional rigid robots, soft robots can deform, stretch, and interact with humans or delicate objects in a more natural and flexible manner. As these robots become increasingly vital in fields ranging from healthcare to industrial automation, one of the key challenges is developing advanced sensing technologies that seamlessly integrate with soft, flexible materials to provide real-time feedback for precise control and decision-making.
This PhD project aims to address this challenge by developing integrated fabrication techniques that embed sensing technologies directly into soft robotic structures. By combining expertise in flexible electronics, advanced materials, and 3D-printing-based fabrication methods, this project will enable the creation of multifunctional soft robotic systems with enhanced sensing capabilities. These systems will be capable of detecting touch, pressure, deformation and other physical parameters crucial for dynamic interaction with their environments.
This project will be carried out at the SMART Group within the Institute for Imaging, Data and Communications (IDCOM) and closely collaborate with the leading robotics researchers from the Soft Systems Group. This research provides an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of materials science, robotics, electronics and machine learning. The ideal candidate will have a background in electronics/mechanical engineering, materials science, robotics, or a related field, with a strong interest in soft robotics and sensing technologies. By joining this project, you will contribute to the rapidly growing field of soft robotics and help develop systems that could reshape healthcare, manufacturing, and other industries.
Due to a multidisciplinary nature of this project, it will be supervised by an academic team that have expertise in different engineering areas. The supervision team will consist of:
Principal supervisor:
Dr Yunjie Yang (Imaging, Data and Communications), https://www.eng.ed.ac.uk/about/people/mr-yunjie-yang
Assistan supervisors:
Professor Adam Stokes (Integrated Micro and Nano Systems): https://www.eng.ed.ac.uk/about/people/professor-adam-stokes;
Dr Francesco Giorgio-Serchi (Integrated Micro and Nano Systems): https://www.eng.ed.ac.uk/about/people/dr-francesco-giorgio-serchi
Dr Michael Chen (Bioengineering) https://www.eng.ed.ac.uk/about/people/dr-michael-xianfeng-chen
Please also note that this advert will close as soon as a suitable candidate is found. Successful candidate will be expected to start in September 2025.
Further Information:
Please make sure to submit a research proposal as part of your application. For advice on writing a Research Proposal please see here:
https://www.ed.ac.uk/files/imports/fileManager/HowToWriteProposal090415.pdf
The University of Edinburgh is committed to equality of opportunity for all its staff and students, and promotes a culture of inclusivity. Please see details here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity
Closing Date:
Principal Supervisor:
Assistant Supervisor:
Eligibility:
Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree.
Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.
Funding:
Tuition fees + stipend are available for applicants who qualify as Home applicants* but exceptional international students will also be considered.
Applications are also welcomed from self-funded students, or students who are applying for scholarships from the University of Edinburgh or elsewhere.
Further information and other funding options
Home Students*
To qualify as a Home student, you must fulfil one of the following criteria:
• You are a UK student
• You are an EU student with settled/pre-settled status who also has 3 years residency in the UK/EEA/Gibraltar/Switzerland immediately before the start of your Programme.
Informal Enquiries:
Dr Yunjie Yang (Y.Yang@ed.ac.uk)
