Design, Fabrication, and Control of a Soft Robotic Arm for a Legged Inspection Robot

University of Oxford; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 21,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is offering a unique studentship focused on Robotics and Autonomous Systems to support the UK's Net Zero transition. This exciting opportunity allows talented graduate scientists and engineers to engage in innovative research aimed at overcoming technological barriers in energy infrastructure. You will begin your journey at a leading university, gaining essential skills and knowledge before transitioning to PhD research. This program not only emphasizes academic excellence but also fosters a collaborative environment for impactful contributions to the energy sector's decarbonization efforts.

Qualifications

• Strong academic background in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or Mathematics.
• Evidence of programming experience is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in Robotics and Autonomous Systems for energy sector decarbonization.
• Develop a soft robotic arm for industrial inspection and monitoring.

Skills

Programming Experience

Engineering

Computer Science

Physics

Mathematics

Education

First or Upper Second-class Honours Degree

Job description

This studentship is offered by the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Net Zero Centre for Doctoral Training (RAINZ CDT) which is a partnership between three of the UKs leading universities (The University of Manchester,University of GlasgowandUniversity of Oxford).

Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) is an essential enabling technology for the Net Zero transition in the UK’s energy sector. However, significant technological and cultural barriers are limiting its effectiveness. Overcoming these barriers is a key target of this CDT.The focus of the CDT’s research projects will be how RAS can be used for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of new infrastructure in renewables (wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, hydrogen) and nuclear (fission and fusion), and to support the decarbonization of existing maintenance and decommissioning of assets.

We are seeking talented and motivated graduate scientists and engineers who are eager to learn new skills and have a desire to help increase use of RAS to help decarbonise the energy sector. Your work will help foster innovation and drive meaningful changein this increasingly important area of science and engineering.

Year 1:You will spend the first year of the CDT atTheUniversity of Manchesterundertaking taught MSc studies and research training.You must achieve an average of 65% or higher in your MSc taught assessments to be considered for progression to the PhD studies.

Note:you will not graduate with an MSc. If you meet the progression criteria, you will transition directly onto the PhD.

Years 2 – 4:You will move to your host institute (The University of Manchester, University of Glasgow, or University of Oxford) to undertake your PhD research, which will be complimented with a comprehensive cohort training and employability development programme.

About this Project

Year 1MSc Course: TBC

Year 2 – 4PhD Location: University of Oxford

Research Abstract:Operating in some of the most demanding industrial environments requires ensuring the integrity of infrastructure such as pipelines andprocess plants. Traditional inspection and monitoring methods often facelimitations when dealing with complex pipework and constrainedgeometries that are difficult or unsafe to access. This project proposes the development of a soft robotic arm capable ofnavigating into intricate industrial structures and which can be integratedinto a legged inspection robot. Built from compliant, flexible materials,the soft robotic arm will be designed to traverse tight bends, junctions,and variable diameters commonly found in pipeline networks and facilityinternals. Moreover, the hardware must adhere to the robot's constraints in terms of weight, size, and power requirements. It will enable real-timedata collection using tactile information for characterizing environmental conditions, detecting contamination, or monitoring wear and degradation -supporting predictive maintenance and asset integrity management.

Supervisor

Prof. Perla Maiolino is an Associate Professor in Engineering Science at the Oxford Robotics Institute, University of Oxford, and Tutorial Fellow at Brasenose College, Oxford.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a First or strong Upper Second-class honours degree (2:1 with 65% average),or international equivalent, in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or Mathematics with evidence of programming experience. RAINZ_CDT welcomes diverse applicants.

Funding

Funding for this RAINZ CDT studentship is provided by EPSRC and an industrial partner (Baker Hughes). The successful candidate will receive an annual stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition will be paid at the home rate.

This project is subject to funding being confirmed by the industry partner.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Applications should be made through the RAINZ CDT website, where you can also find further information about the CDT. Informal enquiries can be made by [e-mail].

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate(if applicable)

The application deadline is 17:00, 11th July 2025. Applications received after this time will not be considered.

EDI

Equality, diversity and inclusionis fundamental to the success of RAINZ CDT, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We are dedicated to supporting work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements to accommodate individual needs. Our selection process is free from bias, and we are committed to ensuring fair and equal opportunities for all applicants.