The Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Bath is inviting applications for the following project from self-funded or externally funded applicants.
Project
Robotic perception is crucial for robotic systems to advance and perform more and more complex tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously. Tactile sensing hardware presents many challenges, and the scientific community is actively searching for effective solutions to address them. Several solutions can be found in literature. Most of these solutions are focused on localized tactile sensors (e.g. finder tips) in order to enhance robot capabilities in object manipulation and dexterity. These are the most common tactile devices exploited in robotics.
This project focuses, on the other hand, on the topic of delocalized medium/large scale sensing (e.g. artificial skin). Works on this topic can also be found but solutions are still in development due to their intrinsic complexity and technical challenges. Multiple sensing strategies, large area coverage, and flexibility are a few examples of characteristics that increase maintenance issues and design constraints.
This project exploits elements of several disciplines that include but are not limited to: robotics, materials science, electronics, mechanics, and biology. The PhD student will contribute by investigating the problem and developing further a solution based on frequency modulation and parallel FPGA-based demodulation. Activities will include electronic boards design, FPGA and micro-controller coding, and signal processing.
The work will focus on several core tasks and skills:
- Biology inspired design
- Design and development
- Prototyping
- Decentralized modular design
- Data acquisition and processing
Candidate Requirements
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class Honours degree (or the equivalent). A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.
Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.
Enquiries and Applications
Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be directed to Dr Tareq Assaf - ta608@bath.ac.uk
Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering
When completing the form, please quote the project title and lead supervisor’s name in the ‘Your research interests’ section.
More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We value a diverse research environment and strive to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
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