Intelligent Proprioceptive Anthropomorphic Robotic Hands

About the Project

Robotic hands and grippers are pivotal in robotic handling or interactions with objects, and similarly, a robot can intelligently manipulate an object. This leads to a requirement for a higher skill, like that in human hands. In contrast, robotic hands and grippers are designed to be underactuated, resulting in a lack of degrees of freedom, and dexterity. Similarly, the robotic hands and grippers are designed with minimal proprioception, due to the difficulty in design and the available sensing techniques to enable a higher dimensional proprioception. This project will explore the development of anthropomorphic robotic hands and grippers with extended proprioception allowing them to interact with a range of objects, with the capability of dexterous manipulation. The overall objective of this project is the development of intelligent robotic hands that possess a higher order of embedded intelligence with dexterous manipulation capabilities.

Requirements:

• A background in engineering including electronic, electrical, mechanical, aerospace engineering, mechatronics and other related subjects.
• Background in robotics is a plus.
• Background in sensors, design, and electronic integration is also a plus.
• Any programming experience.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Dr. Babar Jamil, email: babar.jamil@york.ac.uk.

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

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).

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 project and also select supervisors.

About UoY

The University of York takes great pride in its ranking among the top ten UK universities in the REF, reaffirming our commitment to research excellence with a focus on social impact. As a "University for the Public Good," we are dedicated to building strong partnerships and sharing knowledge to generate both local and global benefits. The ambitious goals and potential impact of this project in Healthcare Engineering align seamlessly with our core principles of inclusion, internationalism, and collaboration.

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.