Advanced Fabrication and Control of Multi-Modal Soft Continuum Robots

Soft-bodied continuum robots (SCRs) offer a valuable alternative to traditional rigid-link robotic systems due to their ability to operate with enhanced safety within complex, confined environments. These characteristics have led to creation of numerous SCR designs and actuation approaches to suit different clinical applications. An emerging trend in SCR research involves the creation of hybrid or multi-modal designs that seek to combine the favourable features of different actuation approaches to balance, for example, scale, stiffness, and controllability. However, the independent challenges in manufacturing, actuation and control of each SCR type are exacerbated during ‘stick together’ integration approaches, limiting their efficacy. <br /> <br /> This PhD project aims to create new approaches for multi-modal SCRs. This will involve developing novel manufacturing strategies to allow directly integrated, hybrid soft actuators through a combination of 3D-printing, direct ink writing and injection moulding techniques. The resulting class of digitally driven designs, customisable in scale, materials composition, actuation modes, and degrees of freedom, will be evaluated to meet the requirements of highly challenging clinical scenarios (e.g. full robotic intubation of the pancreatic duct). Multi-modal SCRs designs will thus seek to deliver precise positioning over large motion ranges, stability for the delivery of tools (e.g. into the pancreatic duct), and integrated sub-mm soft instruments for task execution. <br /> <br /> As a PhD candidate working on the project, you will be based in the state-of-the-art STORM lab, alongside numerous staff and students working to deliver impact in surgical applications through the use of soft continuum robotics. This will offer excellent access facilities, technical support, and clinical collaborators to conduct your research. <br /> <br />

<p style="text-align:justify; margin-bottom:11px"><a href="https://www.stormlabuk.com/">STORM lab</a></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"> </p>

<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Electronic & Electrical Engineering FT</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Advanced Fabrication and Control of Multi-Modal Soft Continuum Robots</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-engineering-physical-sciences/staff/576/dr-james-chandler">James Chandler </a>and <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/electronic-engineering/staff/863/professor-pietro-valdastri">Pietro Valdastri </a>as your proposed supervisors. <em><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is School of Electronic & Electrical Engineering Studentship 2025/26.</strong></em></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p>Applications will be considered after the deadline.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 31 January 2025:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A highly competitive School of Electronic & Electrical Engineering Studentship providing the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 in academic session 2024/25) for 3.5 years. There are no additional allowances for travel, research expenses, conference attendance or any other costs.</p> <p>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£320 in Session 2024/25), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong> Please note that that the award does <strong>not</strong> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p class="MsoNoSpacing">For further information about this project, please contact Dr James Chandler by email: <a href="mailto:J.H.Chandler@leeds.ac.uk">J.H.Chandler@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>