Robot-based human arm movement support and tremor reduction for elderly or disabled people

Application details:
Reference number: 2017CDTEICS1
Start date: TBC April 2017
Closing date: 31 March 2017
Interview date: TBC April 2017

Primary supervisor: Dr Qinggang Meng

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral training in Embedded Intelligence at Loughborough University offers an unique 4 year full-time programme which enables students to develop their research skills whilst working with industrial partners. Our researchers will be at the forefront of the latest developments in Embedded Intelligence and be supported by over 45 academic members of staff and industry specialists in this field. Research training is also complemented by non-technical subjects e.g. leadership, enterprise and social responsibility.

The PhD studentship lasts for 4 years and includes:
• A fee waiver equivalent to the home/EU rate
• An enhanced EPSRC tax-free stipend of up to £17,296 p.a. for four years.
• A personal training budget of £10,000 to support specific training needs.

Find out more: www.cdt-ei.com

Project Detail:
Elderly people often suffer from tremor (shaking) and rigidity which causes difficulties in accurately controlling their arm movements to accomplish daily activities, such as feeding themselves. Tremor and rigidity during movement are usually associated with Parkinson’s diseases but can also be symptoms of other conditions.

This project will develop algorithms and a control system for a robotic assistive device deploying FPGA-enabled intelligent dynamic control to support intentional arm movements and enhanced arm control. The resulting FPGA-enabled intelligent dynamic control system prototype will be tested and as far as possible evaluated with patient volunteers through links with the relevant patient associations such as Muscular Dystrophy UK and Parkinson’s UK. A key research area is to learn the patterns of personalised and context-based body movement and intention understanding. This project is co-sponsored by Innova Intregra.

Find out more:
www.cdt-ei.com
http://www.innovaintegra.com

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: skills and knowledge in AI/machine learning, robotics, and C/C++ programming skills. Experience of Embedded programming, hardware experience (FPGA), ROS (Robot Operating System), Matlab and strong math knowledge is desirable.

Applicants must also meet the minimum English Language requirements http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/

Contact details:
Name: Dr Qinggang Meng
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: 01509 635 676

How to apply:
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select “CDT Embedded Intelligence Wolfson School”

Please quote reference number: 2017CDTEICS1
Application deadline: 31st March 2017