PhD Studentship – Fabrication of Next-Generation Soft Popup Robotics

School of Mechanical Engineering

The goal of this research is to advance printed-circuit MEMS ‘PopUp’ fabrication technology by exploring its integration into soft systems. This will build on our established link with Harvard University.

Our proposed approach is to focus on highly flexible 2D layer-by-layer fabrication methods that can create PopUp functional 3D mechanisms such as mechanical linkages, actuators, sensors and electronics components in millimetre-scale.

This research will exploit unexplored capabilities of the ‘EPSRC Robotic Facility’ and will complement current ‘Soft Systems’ research for Surgical Technologies. It will also provide enabling technologies for our funded work in healthcare (HTC in Colorectal Therapies and EPSRC IMPRESS).

Value: This studentship, which is open to UK, EU and international students, will cover academic fees and a maintenance of £14,254 in 2016/17. 

Number of awards: 1 

Entry requirements: Applicants must have a minimum of a UK upper second class honours degree (2.1), or equivalent, in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, electronic engineering, or medical engineering.

If English is not the applicant’s first language, they must provide evidence that they meet the University’s minimum English Language requirements.

Main contact: Contact Dr Ali Alazmani to discuss this project further informally.

Application deadline: Friday 15 January 2016

How to Apply:
Applications for this scheme will open on Friday 30th October. This is when details about the application process will be made available.

If you would like to receive an email reminder, to inform you that applications have opened, please fill in your name and email on our contact form and we will be in touch in due course.

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