Biohybrid robots with artificial and organoid intelligence University of Bristol in United Kingdom

The project:

This project will be based in Bristol Robotics Laboratory and the University of Bristol, supervised by Dr Benjamin Ward-Cherrier and working within a team of 4 PhD students and 2 Postdoc researchers.

In light of the pressing challenges posed by the broken economics of Moore's Law and the escalating energy demands of machine learning algorithms, it is crucial to explore alternative scaling pathways for computation in robotics.

This project proposes to address this issue by investigating the use of neural organoids (also known as mini-brains) as a robot’s “brain”, a cutting-edge and under-explored area of research recently coined Organoid Intelligence . Organoid Intelligence represents a paradigm shift in computational methods, using biological systems to potentially reduce energy consumption by orders of magnitude compared with traditional computing methods.

The project will combine this biological neural network with spiking neural networks to create a hybrid intelligence system which leverages the natural data processing capabilities of biological systems.

By the end of this PhD project, this hybrid intelligence will be applied to a biohybrid robot featuring artificial sensors and muscles and connected to a remote brain organoid (NeuroSpheres, FinalSpark), bridging the gap between artificial and biological computing. This endeavour promises to expand our understanding of biological computation, yield tangible advancements in artificial intelligence and demonstrate a proof-of-concept biohybrid robot exploiting biological neural networks.

This PhD project represents a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of a cutting-edge area of research with the potential to disrupt the current landscape of computing and pave the way for the merging of artificial and biological systems in robotics.

Candidate requirements:

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a merit at master’s degree level (or international equivalent) in a science, mathematics or engineering discipline. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level: Profile E

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels .

Contacts:

For questions about the research topic, please contact the project supervisor.

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact Engineering Postgraduate Research Admissions [email protected]

How to apply:

Prior to submitting an online application, you will need to contact the project supervisor to discuss.

Online applications are made at http://www.bris.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply . Please select Engineering Mathematics (PhD) on the Programme Choice page. You will be prompted to enter details of any studentship you would like to be considered for in the Funding and Research Details sections of the form.