PhD project in Bioinspired soft robots for natural environments
PhD @University of Southampton posted 20 hours agoJob Description
About the project
This project focuses on the development of novel bioinspired soft robots based on smart materials for complex locomotion and manipulation in natural environments.
Robots with versatile locomotion capabilities such as ability to traverse rugged terrains, climb vertical surfaces, manipulate payloads while sensing and adapting to external cues can help address environmental, biodiversity, and industrial challenges.
Soft materials offer a unique potential for developing the next generation of field robots due to their compliance, flexibility, and adaptability, which allow robots to conform to various object shapes and interact safely with their environment.
This project aims to create highly capable and adaptive soft robotic systems with integrated sensing and actuation capabilities.
Learning from natural organisms, you will investigate how to develop hardware architectures that allow the robot to utilize their physical structure and material properties for decision-making. This approach aims to reduce the computational burden on traditional control systems by allowing the robot’s body to perform some of the required decision-making.
Entry requirements
You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, in one of the following:
- engineering
- mechatronics
- materials
- electrical engineering
Previous experience in soft robotics, soft materials, or hands-on development of robots/mechatronic systems will be considered advantageous.
Due to the interdisciplinarity of the research topics, interest and ability to learn new subjects is essential.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees will be paid, and you will receive a stipend (living allowance) for living costs, with a minimum of £20,780 starting from the Academic Year 2025-26.
How to apply
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- select Full time or Part time
- choose the relevant PhD in Engineering
- add name of the supervisor in section 2
Applications should include:
- a personal statement
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 academic references
- degree transcripts to date
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
If you have a general question, email our doctoral college (feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk).
Project leader
For an initial conversation, email Dr Hareesh Godaba (H.Godaba@soton.ac.uk).
