Robotic manipulation

As robots integrate into daily life, achieving human-level dexterity is crucial for tasks like precision assembly, household assistance, and healthcare. This PhD project focuses on developing methods related to the following research topics:<br /> <br /> • Robotic fine manipulation<br /> • In-hand dexterous manipulation<br /> • Skill acquisition and transfer<br /> • Bimanual manipulation<br /> <br /> You will contribute to cutting-edge research combining robotics, AI, and control systems, working both in simulators (e.g., MuJoCo, PyBullet, etc.) and with real robotic systems.<br /> <br /> The PhD will be supervised by Dr Kunpeng Yao who joins the University of Leeds in March 2025 from MIT.<br />

<h2 style="margin-bottom: 8px;">About the University</h2> <p>The University of Leeds is a leading institution with state-of-the-art robotics labs and a vibrant research culture. The School of Computer Science is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, bringing together experts in robotic learning, manipulation, and perception. As part of the Robotics at Leeds initiative, the school contributes to pioneering research in medical robotics, field and infrastructure robotics, and artificial intelligence. This collaborative environment provides an excellent platform for innovative research and development in robotics.</p> <h2>About You</h2> <p>We seek a highly motivated candidate with:</p> <p>Essential</p> <ul> <li>A master’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or related fields.</li> <li>Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, or MATLAB, or C++; knowledge in ROS).</li> <li>Interest in robot control, learning, manipulation, and task planning.</li> </ul> <p>Preferred</p> <ul> <li>Experience with robotic hardware or simulation tools.</li> <li>Publications in robotics conferences/journals.</li> </ul> <h2>About the Supervisor</h2> <p>Kunpeng Yao, Ph.D., IEEE Member, is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA. He received his Ph.D. degree in Robotics, Control, and Intelligent Systems from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland, in 2022. His primary research interests include robotic dexterous grasping, manipulation, task and motion planning, tactile sensing, and human motor control.</p>

<p>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 Computer Science </strong></em>and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considred for is <em><strong>Robotic Manipulation</strong></em> supervised by <strong>Dr Kunpeng Yao and <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/computing/staff/84/professor-david-hogg">Professor David Hogg</a>. </strong>Please state clearly in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is<strong> <em>School of Computer Science Studentship 2025/26</em></strong><em>.</em></p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date.  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 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 Monday 17 March 2025:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in the final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <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>

Applicants to this research degree programme are required to hold a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) and a Master’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or related fields. 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 6.5 overall with at least 6.5 in writing and at least 6.0 in reading, 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" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">A highly competitive School of Computer Science Studentship 2025/26 providing the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant (currently £19,237 per year 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 <em><strong>not</strong></em> 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>For informal enquiries about this project, please contact Professor David Hogg by email to <a href="mailto:D.C.Hogg@leeds.ac.uk">D.C.Hogg@leeds.ac.uk</a> or Dr Kunpeng Yao by email to <a href="mailto:kunpeng@mit.edu">kunpeng@mit.edu</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>