PhD Studentships in Soft Robotics, Tactile Perception, Intelligent Manipulation, and Embodied Intelligence (CSC/QMUL) Queen Mary University of London in United Kingdom

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is offering CSC/QMUL PhD studentships for Chinese nationals in the areas of soft robotics, tactile perception, intelligent manipulation, and embodied intelligence. These positions are part of a joint-funded scholarship programme with the China Scholarship Council (CSC), providing an excellent opportunity to join the Centre of Excellence for Advanced Robotics (ARQ) at QMUL. The research focuses on cutting-edge topics such as metamorphic robots for extreme reconfigurability and soft robotic end-effectors capable of precision artificial touch.

The METAMORPH project, supervised by Professor Kaspar Althoefer, aims to develop bio-inspired, soft, and reconfigurable robots that can construct, deconstruct, and reconfigure themselves on demand. The research will address challenges in robotic design, modelling, and AI-based learning, with applications in minimally invasive surgery and other constrained environments. The project balances fundamental research with hands-on prototyping and experimental validation, culminating in benchmarking against state-of-the-art surgical robotic systems.

The Soft Robotic End-effector project, supervised by Dr Ketao Zhang, targets the development of underactuated dextrous grippers with variable-stiffness joints and advanced contact-force detection for precision manipulation in agriculture, particularly viticulture. The project involves the design and modelling of compliant multi-fingered end-effectors and the development of smart actuators for handling delicate objects like fresh fruits. The research will establish a framework for dexterous soft end-effectors with artificial touch, validated through proof-of-concept prototypes.

Both studentships are fully funded: QMUL covers tuition fees, and the CSC provides living expenses and a return flight. Applicants must be Chinese nationals with a strong background in engineering, robotics, physics, or related disciplines. Experience in mechatronics or soft robotics is desirable. English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ overall, minimum 6.0 in each component) is required. The application deadline is January 28, 2026, for a September 2026 start. Interested candidates should contact the supervisors and apply to the PhD FT Mechanical Engineering programme, quoting the relevant reference codes.

For more information, visit the project pages or contact Prof Kaspar Althoefer or Dr Ketao Zhang. Research keywords include soft robotics, tactile perception, intelligent manipulation, embodied intelligence, artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, and robotics.