3-Year PhD Studentship: Design and Autonomous Control of Soft Robotic Systems for Aero-Engine Repair

Supervisors: Dr Xin Dong and colleagues from the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology

Overview

Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship at the University of Nottingham in partnership with Rolls-Royce. The successful candidate will join the Rolls-Royce UTC in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology and contribute to the development of next-generation robotic systems for aero-engine repair and maintenance.

The project addresses a major industrial challenge: enabling repair operations to be performed directly on installed aero-engines, avoiding costly disassembly and reducing aircraft downtime.

Project

Modern aero-engines contain complex internal geometries that are difficult to access using conventional tooling. At the Rolls-Royce UTC, we have developed innovative robotic platforms, including continuum and walking robots, capable of operating within confined and hazardous environments. Examples of Publications are shown below:

1. Dong, Xin, et al. "Development of a slender continuum robotic system for on-wing inspection/repair of gas turbine engines." Robotics and computer-integrated manufacturing44 (2017): 218-229.
2. Wang, Xi, et al. "Multimodal locomotion ultra-thin soft robots for exploration of narrow spaces." Nature Communications15.1 (2024): 6296.

This PhD project will develop modelling, simulation, and autonomous control approaches for stiffness-adjustable robotic systems to improve dexterity, stability, and task performance during on-wing repair operations. The research will support Rolls-Royce’s vision for intelligent in-situ maintenance technologies.

What you'll do

You will receive training and hands-on experience in:

• Designing stiffness-adjustable robotic systems for confined environments
• Developing Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models of the robot
• Implementing hardware-in-the-loop testing and experimental validation
• Working with Rolls-Royce engineers on real industrial challenges

Working environment

• Based within the Rolls-Royce UTC at the University of Nottingham
• Close collaboration with Rolls-Royce engineers and researchers
• Access to state-of-the-art robotics and manufacturing facilities
• Supportive multidisciplinary research environment with strong industrial links

You'll be a good fit if you

• Hold, or expect to obtain, a First-Class or Upper Second-Class degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Cybernetics, or a related discipline
• Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Are interested in robotics, automation, and intelligent manufacturing
• Have experience with mechanical design, modelling, or control systems

Experience with MATLAB/Simulink, SolidWorks, ABAQUS, kinematics, dynamics, or hardware-in-the-loop testing would be advantageous.

Funding

The studentship provides:

• Full tuition fees
• A tax-free stipend of approximately £19,237 per annum
• Research and training support funding
• Opportunities for industrial engagement with Rolls-Royce

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter, CV, and academic transcripts to Xin.Dong@nottingham.ac.uk.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Suitable applicants will be interviewed and invited to submit a formal University application. Due to the anticipated volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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