Affordable robotics for upper limb motor assessment and training in neurorehabilitation

About the Project

This four-year project aims to develop and evaluate an affordable robotic system for the assessment and rehabilitation of upper limb motor function. The successful candidate will contribute to the mechatronic design and prototyping of a modular, portable robotic system that facilitates deployment in both research and clinical settings. The system will be based on modular design principles, enabling the same robotic platform to assess and train multiple hand movements involving the wrist, elbow, and shoulder joints. A key aspect of the project will involve the intelligent analysis and interpretation of kinematic and dynamic motion data collected from the robotic system and its integrated sensors. The data will be used to generate clinically relevant reports for healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, as well as for patients. The project requires strong expertise in mechatronic design, hands-on prototyping, and programming. The work will be conducted in collaboration with robotics engineers and clinical experts. The primary question is to identify and validate the requirements for the robotic system to be clinically relevant for post-stroke hand function assessment.

This studentship is part of PSI CDT’s Smart Instruments & Active Implants Research Theme. The successful applicant will join Cohort 3.

Department / School: Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, PSI CDT

Eligibility:

• We encourage applications from candidates with a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related programme.
• Preference will be given to candidates with a background conducive to multidisciplinary research.
• Due to funding restrictions, this studentship is only open to students who qualify for Home fee status in the UK.

Funding Details:

• 4-year studentship starting October 2026
• Funding covers an annual tax-free living allowance of £25,805 (AY 2026-27) paid monthly, a Research Training Support Grant of £20,000 (£5k per year) for consumables and conference travel, and tuition fees

How to Apply:

To apply, click on the link to the PSI Apply page.

Application Deadline:

Sunday 31 May 2026 (23.59 BST)

Further Enquiries:

Please email PSI-CDT@kcl.ac.uk for more information.