Autonomous Sensor Design and Verification

About the Project

Sensing is essential for machines to interact intelligently and safely with the external environment, much like humans do[1, 2]. Human tactile sensing, for instance, allows us to handle a variety of objects, from delicate berries to heavy payloads – by adapting our touch and pressure accordingly. Embedding similar adaptive intelligence in robots [3, 4] is crucial for making them more responsive, versatile, and perceptive in diverse settings.

However, achieving this level of nuanced sensing in robots presents significant challenges, including material selection, sensor placement, and the underlying sensing mechanisms. These considerations lead to numerous integration approaches, yet no single solution currently addresses issues like sensor crosstalk, external interference, noise, and environmental effects consistently and effectively.

To tackle this, this project pioneers innovative design, development, and testing protocols that make robots intelligent by autonomously designing, integrating, and verifying sensors—reducing reliance on human input. A central focus will be the development of evolutionary design techniques for robot sensors [5], followed by autonomous fabrication and testing.

Adopting this autonomous sensor design approach will enable robots to operate independently of human intervention and better adapt to complex environments. The project aims to develop, test, and verify algorithms that self-optimize sensor evolution, allowing robots to continually refine their interactions regardless of environmental variations or fluctuations.

Entry requirements:

Candidates should have (or expect to obtain) a minimum of a UK upper second-class honors degree (2.1) or equivalent in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. Experience in biomechanics or computer science will also be considered, however, you must show an understanding of fundamental principles of experimental robotics (mechanics, dynamics and control, signal processing etc).

Skills and background:

• A background in engineering including electronic, electrical, mechanical, aerospace engineering, mechatronics and other related subjects.
• Programming skills in C/C++ and Python is a plus.
• Any experience or background in robotics is a plus but not a requirement.

Requirements:

• A background in engineering including electronic, electrical, mechanical, aerospace engineering, mechatronics and other related subjects.
• Programming skills in C/C++ and Python is a plus.
• Any experience or background in robotics is a plus but not a requirement.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Dr. Babar Jamil, email: babar.jamil@york.ac.uk, and or Professor Andy Tyrrell, email: andy.tyrrell@york.ac.uk.

This project is open-ended making it suitable for MSc by Research and PhD level.

How to apply:

Applicants must apply via the University’s online application system at https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/apply/. Please read the application guidance first so that you understand the various steps in the application process. To apply, please select the PhD in Electronic Engineering. Please specify in your PhD application that you would like to be considered for this studentship and select supervisors.

Funding Notes

This is a self-funded project and you will need to have sufficient funds in place (eg from scholarships, personal funds and/or other sources) to cover the tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of the research degree programme. Please check the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology website for details about funding opportunities at York.