Underwater communication with wearable sensors

The underwater world presents challenges for communication and the monitoring of diver health. The environment is often murky, making visual cues hard to view. To overcome this we are working on a sensing technology that will enable gesture-based diver to diver communication, diver health monitoring and diver/machine interaction.

Our soft sensing technology is based on dielectric elastomer (DE) sensors. These sensors are capacitive in nature and if arrayed along the body can be used to accurately characterize human movement.

We seek a PhD to explore opportunities for DE sensor gesture-based communication. A candidate with a strong background in electronics and physics or mechatronics would be favored. However we are open to considering any candidate with a strong academic record who also has some experience in these areas. We are closely aligned with our spin-out StretchSense Ltd. where advanced sensor fabrication can take place.

The PhD will be based in the Biomimetics Laboratory of the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland ( www.biomimeticslab.com ); world experts in DE research. The student will have access to equipment for modeling and the prototyping of soft electroactive polymer robotic devices.

The ideal candidate will needs to have a:
• Grade point average of minimum 7.5 out of 9 (an “A” student).
• 4 year undergraduate degree or Masters level degree.
• Evidence of research experience.
• Strong multidisciplinary background in mechatronics, mechanical and electrical engineering.

If interested by this position, please send us your application, including CV and cover letter. In your cover letter, you should explain how your academic background and the research you have been conducting up to now will enable you to lead this project towards success. Generic applications which are obviously mass mailing won’t be considered.

To find out more about this project please contact: Iain Anderson, ([Email Address Removed] ) or Sam Rosset ([Email Address Removed]), Biomimetics Lab, Auckland Bioengineering Institute.