Robotic and Cyber-Physical Materials

Robotic or Cyber-Physical materials use embedded sensing, actuation and control to realise novel and improved performance over conventional or passive materials [1]. For example, such materials might have parameters such as mass and stiffness that are frequency dependant and tuneable and can be used for applications such as shielding (cloaking) submarines form sonar and buildings from earthquakes [2]. Other examples include intelligent self‐healing materials [3]. These materials have potential application across a range of industries, including aerospace, automotive and civil.

This project will look at several aspects of this emerging high impact area, including modelling and systems identification; embedded sensing and actuation; sensor fusion and data analysis; controller design.

Knowledge of at least one of the following fields would be beneficial, but not necessarily required for research students to work in this field.
• Physical systems (either mechanical, electrical or electromagnetic) including modelling and analysis methods
• Control theory and analysis methods
• Sensor and actuator technology