PhD scholarship in Soft Robotic Applications - DTU Electro

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet; København; On-site; DKK 379,000 - 469,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Electro invites applications for a PhD position focused on soft and adaptive robotics, aiming to design, model, and control robotic systems with compliant structures and variable stiffness to improve interaction and stability. The research will be conducted within the RESSORT project and validated on robotic platforms, including morphing aerial systems.

The appointment is for 3 years, full-time, with enrolment in a DTU degree programme.

Qualifications

• Two-year master's degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent.
• Strong background in mechatronics, robotics, mechanical engineering, and control engineering.
• Experience with CAD tools, actuators, embedded systems and experimental prototyping.
• Proficient in MATLAB/Simulink, C++, and/or Python.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop compliant and variable-stiffness mechanisms for robotic applications.
• Develop mathematical and dynamic models of robotic systems with flexible structures.
• Investigate control strategies for changes in configuration, stiffness and interaction forces.
• Integrate actuators, sensors and embedded control into experimental platforms.
• Develop methods for stable and efficient operation under varying conditions.
• Validate technologies through simulations and experiments on robotic systems.
• Collaborate with international research and industrial partners and disseminate results.

Skills

Robotics

Mechatronics

Control engineering

Dynamic modelling

Experimental validation

Education

Two-year master's degree (120 ECTS)

Tools

CAD tools

Actuators

Embedded systems

MATLAB/Simulink

C++

Python

Job description

Are you interested in developing innovative robotic systems that can adapt their mechanical properties to interact safely and effectively with their environment? Do you have a background in robotics, mechatronics, and control, and enjoy combining mechanical design with hands-on experimental research?

At DTU Electro, you will have the opportunity to develop and validate novel robotic technologies integrating compliant mechanisms, variable-stiffness, and advanced control strategies. Your research will contribute to the development of adaptable robotic systems capable of performing complex physical operations in challenging and uncertain environments.

The PhD position is part of RESSORT, a European research project aimed at advancing soft and adaptive robotics through the integration of innovative materials, compliant structures, sensing, and intelligent control. The project addresses the limitations of conventional rigid robotic systems by developing solutions capable of adapting their mechanical behaviour to different tasks and operating conditions.

Your research will focus on the design, modelling, and control of robotic systems incorporating soft and variable-stiffness mechanisms. Particular attention will be given to the integration of mechanical adaptability and control to improve physical interaction, operational stability, and performance. The developed methods will be implemented and experimentally validated on robotic platforms, including adaptive and morphing aerial systems.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your main responsibility will be to investigate and develop mechatronic and control solutions for soft and adaptive robotic systems. The research will combine mechanical design, dynamic modelling, control development, and experimental validation, addressing the challenges associated with integrating compliant structures into robotic platforms.

Your primary tasks will include:

• Design and develop compliant and variable-stiffness mechanisms for robotic applications.
• Develop mathematical and dynamic models of robotic systems incorporating flexible and adaptive mechanical structures.
• Investigate control strategies to manage changes in mechanical configuration, stiffness, and interaction forces.
• Integrate actuators, sensors, and embedded control systems into experimental robotic platforms.
• Develop methods for stable and efficient robotic operation under varying mechanical and environmental conditions.
• Implement and validate the developed technologies through simulations and experiments on real robotic systems.
• Collaborate with international research and industrial partners and disseminate research results through scientific publications and conferences.

We expect you to have a strong background in mechatronics, robotics, mechanical engineering, control engineering, or a closely related field. Solid competences in mechanical design, dynamic modelling, and control of robotic systems are particularly important.

Experience with CAD tools, actuators, embedded systems, and experimental prototyping will be considered an advantage. Good programming skills in MATLAB/Simulink, C++, and/or Python are expected. Familiarity with compliant mechanisms, soft robotics, variable-stiffness systems, or aerial robotics will be beneficial.

We are particularly interested in candidates who enjoy combining theoretical developments with practical implementation and experimental work. You should be motivated to develop innovative solutions, work independently, and contribute actively to a multidisciplinary and international research environment.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education (link removed).

Assessment

The assessment of applicants will be based on their academic qualifications, research potential, and relevance of their technical background to the proposed PhD project. Particular emphasis will be placed on competences in mechatronic design, dynamic modelling, and control, as well as demonstrated experience in the development and experimental validation of robotic systems.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Benefits and Appointment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is 1 February 2027 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

Applications must be submitted no later than 5 November 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Matteo Fumagalli, [e-mail].

You can read more about the department at DTU Electro here.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark here. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar "PhD relocation to Denmark and startup "Zoom" seminar" for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

DTU Electro employs more than 300 skilled researchers with competencies in electrical and photonics engineering. As a department, we strive towards creating sustainable energy and a greener internet, as well as strengthening cyber security and health technology. Working with industry and public organizations is one of our top priorities to find and implement new solutions to our society. We aim to offer education, research, and innovation of the highest standard, and our focus on application-oriented research enables us to work across many engineering disciplines and research areas, such as IT and the medical and health sciences. We have a close collaboration with researchers from all over the world, just as we collaborate with industry and public authorities about the dissemination of solutions based on electrical and photonics engineering as their key enabling technologies.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829

DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.