JOB DESCRIPTION

Soft robotics represents a transformative approach to machine design, emphasizing adaptability to unstructured environments and safe interaction with humans. These systems are increasingly applied in diverse domains: in agriculture, they can delicately handle crops and respond to changing conditions; in human-assistive technologies, they support rehabilitation and mobility through gentle, responsive interfaces; in minimally invasive surgery, they enable precise, low-impact interventions; and in exploration of hazardous or unknown environments, such as disaster sites or extraterrestrial terrains, their flexibility and resilience offer unique advantages.
Despite rapid advances in the field, most soft robots rely on inherently soft materials, which often limit their precision, speed, and load-bearing capacity—all critical for real-world deployment. Addressing these limitations requires a new class of structures that combine softness with mechanical performance.
Compliant mechanisms, particularly spatial compliant shell mechanisms, offer a promising solution. These structures can achieve large, controlled deformations while maintaining stiffness in selected directions, enabling both flexibility and strength. Their geometry-driven behavior allows for compact, monolithic designs with fewer moving parts and higher reliability.
In this PhD project, you will explore novel working principles for soft robotic systems based on compliant shell mechanisms. You will design and fabricate robotic structures that integrate embedded actuation and stimuli-responsive materials, enabling systems that are not only mechanically efficient but also capable of autonomous adaptation. The goal is to demonstrate soft robots with enhanced functionality—combining the compliance and safety of soft systems with the precision and performance required for impactful applications.
The PhD candidate will be encouraged to actively shape the direction of the research based on the candidate’s own interests, insights, and evolving expertise. There is ample room for creativity and exploration, and the project can be tailored to align with the candidate’s vision within the broader scope of soft robotics, compliant mechanisms, and smart materials.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• A master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
• A strong background in one or more of the following: soft-robotics, compliant mechanisms, mechanical metamaterials, smart materials or related topics.
• Capability in computer drawing, modelling and simulating.
• Proficient in English reading and writing, with good communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and collaborate with an interdisciplinary group.
• Highly motivated and creative.
• Experience in presenting and publishing scientific work is optional.

Please refer the Job description for details