Machine Learning Model for Soft Robotic Gripper

Soft robotics are considered as a part of Robotics 2.0 which is related to the real-world environment with low predictability, low programmability, creativity, adaptation, and soft interaction. Soft robots are fabricated using soft, highly deformable materials motivated by the way living organisms move and adapt to their environment. These robots have several advantages over conventional rigid-material robots due to their flexibility, the high dexterity, safety when working around people and adaptability to the external environments while in contact. In the next generation, soft robotics can cause a paradigm shift in robotics industry by playing a key role in various real-world scenarios such as safe human-robot interaction, minimally invasive surgery, search and rescue mission at disaster site, underwater and planetary exploration as well as gripping, grasping and manipulation of delicate objects. However, soft robotics is still facing some challenges due to non-linearity of the problem arises from structural compliance and high degrees of freedom. 

The aim of the project is to design, fabricate and analyse soft fluidic/pneumatic actuators and sensors for Soft Robotic Gripper to perform complex manipulation tasks at unknown environments. The developed fluidic/pneumatic actuator and sensor will be integrated into a soft robotic gripper which will be capable of handling delicate objects. To overcome the challenge of modelling the non-linearity of soft robotics, the student will explore machine learning techniques especially deep learning, to generate data-driven models for soft robotic gripper to perform gripping tasks in confined spaces and complex geometry environments. 

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a rapidly growing multidisciplinary project in the areas of soft robotics, additive manufacturing, and artificial intelligence at Canterbury Christ Church University, UK.

Motivated candidates with knowledge/interest in CAD software packages, additive manufacturing, Ansys Workbench, programming languages such as Python, C/C++, MATLAB, and experimentation are highly encouraged to apply. Any experience with robotics and artificial intelligence would be beneficial. 

Student will have access to the modern well-equipped workshop and laboratories available at the Canterbury Christ Church University and will gain comprehensive hands-on-experience in a wide range of tasks essential to the project, e.g., design and fabrication, 3d-printing, material testing which are used in soft robotics, actuators and sensors used in controlling soft robots, experimentation. 

Additional Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and Researcher Developer training for postgraduate students, tailored to student’s degree background will also be provided within the active research groups. 

Come and join to dive into the fast-growing field of “Soft Robotics”! 

Applicants should have a good Honours degree in an engineering subject. An undergraduate or MSc in Mechanical or electrical/electronic engineering, or a field closely related to robotics would be desirable but is not essential.