PhD Studentship: Electronic-free Mechanical Oscillators for Fast Locomotion in Soft Robots

University of Oxford - Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford

Research Studentship in Engineering

3.5-year D.Phil. studentship

Project: Electronic-free Mechanical Oscillators for Fast Locomotion in Soft Robots

Supervisors: Prof Antonio Elia Forte

Soft robots promise adaptability, resilience, and safety, yet remain tethered to bulky compressors and electronics. This project proposes a radical alternative: locomotion generated by coupled fluidic oscillators embedded in soft bodies. These oscillators - recently demonstrated as multifunctional units that can simultaneously act as valves, sensors, and actuators (link) - self-excite and synchronize without electronics, enabling spontaneous gaits powered by a single onboard pressure source.

The project’s vision is to establish embodied oscillator intelligence, where locomotion arises from the physics of coupled oscillators interacting with body geometry and environment, rather than from centralized digital control. Using a combination of reduced-order models (Hopf/van der Pol/Kuramoto type) and experimental demonstrators (hoppers, crawlers, quadrupeds), this project will reveal how synchronization, Hopf bifurcations, and traveling waves create robust gaits and transitions.

Eligibility

This studentship is funded through the Department of Engineering Science and is open to Home students (full award – home fees plus stipend).

Award Value

Course fees are covered at the level set for Home students. The stipend (tax-free maintenance grant) is the UKRI Minimum Stipend.

Candidate Requirements

Prospective candidates will be judged according to how well they meet the following criteria:

• A first class or strong upper second-class undergraduate honours degree in Engineering, Physics or Materials Science
• Excellent English written and spoken communication skills
• Being passionate about science, curious, and self-driven.

The following skills are highly desirable but not essential:

• Ability to program in Matlab/Python
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis and Reduce Order Modelling
• Experience in Rapid Prototyping and CAD Design
• Experience in design and fabrication of devices and/or Soft Robots
• Experience in Material Testing/Characterization
• Basic knowledge of Control Theory

Application Procedure

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to Prof Antonio Elia Forte (antonio.forte@eng.ox.ac.uk).

Candidates must submit a graduate application form and are expected to meet the graduate admissions criteria. Details are available on the course page of the University website.

Please quote 26ENGMM_AF in all correspondence and in your graduate application.

Application deadline: noon on 2 December 2025 (In line with the University admissions deadline set by the University)

Start date: October 2026