PhD (via MPhil) Studentship in the Jost Institute for Tribotechnology, School of Engineering

Reference Number: RS/19/16
Expected start date: September 2021

Applications are invited for a PhD (via MPhil) studentship in the Jost Institute for Tribotechnology, within the School of Engineering. The studentship is tenable for up to 3 years full time [subject to satisfactory progress]. Both Home/EU and International Applicants may apply but will be required to pay the tuition fees at the appropriate rate (Current rates Home £4550 per year, International £15600 per year).The studentship will provide an annual stipend of £4400 per year (subject to satisfactory progress)

Project Title:

Development of Ergonomic actuated exo-skeleton for rehabilitation

Project Description

Exo-skeletons have been the area of interest since the mid 70’s, predominately focusing on the ability to increase productivity of heavy labouring tasks. Typically focusing on the build of a machine and a human attaching to it, wearable robots have never been such a reality until now. These systems tend to be controlled via one of three control methods, “Impedance”, which is a defined control method that relates to force and position, “Admittance” referred to as a control system which reacts from a force input from a human to an open or closed loop system and “Triggered” a control actuation from a generated signal from sensor sample. This work is aimed at the use of electromyography which come under the triggered status. This area has been the focus of study within international research communities. This project will aim to use modern numerical methods to examine muscular signals and apply signal filtering, while attempting to reduce the noise and error found from sensor positioning, with the sole purpose of obtaining reliable data sets. Working alongside the exoskeleton team this work will play a vital role in the control system. Aimed at children who have either suffer muscular damage and may need assistance to recover or suffer with a disease of the similar nature. A novel exoskeleton / exosuit is proposed, as research confirms that to articulate the human body present methods of wearable robotics are oftern inefficient. This work will lead to the development of a low-cost technology, which has in the past been an option that is only focused for the wealthy. A broader use of this technology could be applied to help the aged raise from a chair or manoeuvre themselves in a hospital bed.

Candidates should have (or expect to hold by the start date) a UK Bachelor’s degree at 2:1 level or above (or equivalent qualification) in Sciences, Engineering or Technology related field (preferably in Physics, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Sciences as major)

Applicants must have completed and been awarded any current course of study by the proposed start date.

EU and International applicants require an English Language level of UKVI IELTS 6.5 (no sub-score below 6.0) or equivalent qualification.

Further information

Informal project related enquiries about the post can be made to Dr Matthew Dickinson.

Completed application forms should be returned by email to the Research Student Registry quoting the studentship reference number RS/19/16

Closing Date: 30^th April 2021

Proposed Interview Date: 14^th May 2021

Our current research students will not be eligible to apply for this studentship.

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