PhD Studentship: Advancing Untethered Artificial Muscles for Power Clothing, Exosuits and Assistive Wearables

The project:

This project aims to develop advanced, untethered soft artificial muscles for next-generation power clothing, exosuits, and assistive wearables.  Current wearable actuators rely on electromagnetic motors, pumps, or compressed air systems. However, motors are often bulky, heavy, and rigid, while fluid systems are typically tethered and inefficient.

There is an urgent need for untethered soft artificial muscles capable of delivering human-scale assistive power in exosuits. This project will directly address this challenge by exploring novel smart materials and soft actuation technologies to create a new generation of artificial muscles.

This work will leverage the expertise of the Bristol SoftLab (www.bristol.ac.uk/softlab) and the supervisory team in fundamental and applied transduction mechanisms, smart electroactive materials, embodied intelligence, advanced control systems, and microfabrication techniques. 

This PhD forms part of the new £14 million VIVO Hub for Enhanced Independent Living (www.thevivohub.com) which aims to leverage digital and robotic technologies to support ageing and disabled population in maintaining activity, physical health, and mental well-being. The successful candidate will join the VIVO team, collaborating with experts in materials science, bioengineering, biointerfacing, clinical research, and biomechanics across the Universities of Bristol, Strathclyde, West of England, University College London, and Imperial College London. The role will be based at Bristol Robotics Laboratory (www.bristolroboticslab.com), the largest multidisciplinary centre for robotics research in the UK, with world-class, state-of-the-art facilities for robotics and smart materials design, fabrication, and testing. 

How to apply:

Prior to submitting an online application, you will need to contact the project supervisor to discuss. 

Online applications are made via the 'Apply' button above. Please select Engineering Mathematics* on the Programme Choice page. You will be prompted to enter details of the studentship in the Funding and Research Details sections of the form. 

Candidate requirements: 

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a merit at master’s degree level (or international equivalent) in a science, mathematics or engineering discipline. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree. 

Desirable skills include:

- Evidence of scientific writing (publication, thesis, technical report)

- Knowledge of programming (C/C++/python/MATLAB), CAD software (SolidWorks/Autodesk) and basic electronics

- Understanding of physical and chemical principles of/for transduction

- Experience building prototypes and conducting experiments

- Familiar with or have an interest in this project’s research field 

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level: Profile E
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Funding: School funding – commitment to support VIVO hub 

Contacts:

For questions about the research topic, please contact Jonathan Rossiter (Jonathan.rossiter@bristol.ac.uk)

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact Engineering Postgraduate Research Admissions admissions-engpgr@bristol.ac.uk

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