Area
Computer Science
Location
UK Other
Closing Date
Friday 28 March 2025
Reference
SCIPHD
At the Mixed Reality Laboratory, School of Computer Science, University of Nottingham
Closing date: 28th March 2025, interviews will take place in April and May
Department: Computer Science
Eligibility
This studentship is open to UK Home students only.
Details of Studentship:
We are recruiting a fully-funded PhD student to work alongside our new UKRI-funded £6.5M research programme in Somabotics: Creatively Embodying Artificial Intelligence led by Professor Steve Benford.
The topic of this studentship is Soft Soma Skins – a new kind of technology that mediates physical interaction between humans and robots. We currently imagine these to be soft materials that dress both human and robot bodies. Embedded sensors will capture data about mutual touch. Embedded actuators will deliver haptic feedback to complete an interactive loop between human and robot bodies. The PhD might focus on the design and prototyping of soma skins, soft wearable devices, possible artistic applications, the manufacture of soft sensors and actuators, or the data and AI models that soma skins would generate and utilise. However, this initial description is just the beginning, and we are keen to hear your own interpretation of Soft Soma Skins.
The PhD will be part of the wider Somabotics programme that is exploring new kinds of creative interaction between humans and AI, especially robots. You will join a multidisciplinary team of twelve researchers and renowned artists who will be creating, touring, and studying high-profile artworks to demonstrate how humans can interact with robots in more meaningful ways. You can find out more about Somabotics [S(1] and explore examples of our recent work here in Professor Benford’s website.[S(2]
You will benefit from:
There will be extensive opportunities for travel, including for additional training activities (e.g., Summer Schools and Doctorial Colloquia), participating in conferences, and visits to international and industry partners.
Applicants to initially email their applications to Steve Benford: Steve.benford@nottingham.ac.uk.
Following discussion with Steve, formal applications will then be submitted via the University’s PhD application website, My Nottingham. More information on how to apply can be found here.
[S(1]https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/computerscience/work-with-us/somabotics-at-nottingham.aspx
[S(2]https://stevebenford.com/
[S(3]https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/mixedrealitylab/
[S(4]https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/computerscience/
[S(5]https://cobotmakerspace.org/
[S(6]https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/mixedrealitylab/