A sense of touch allows us to handle objects with fine motor skills and navigate the complexities of everyday life.
Robots struggle with even simple tasks, because their sensing capabilities remain limited.
It is incredibly hard to achieve the level of sophistication and high-density integration of sensing, signal processing, and movement that comes so naturally to us.
This project, funded by an European Starting Grant, aims to develop a new class of chemical touch sensors that can be incorporated into robotic prototypes.
What are you going to do?
As an experienced material scientist and mechanical engineer with a track-record in actuator design and soft robotics, and skills in modelling, you will pioneer new concepts in chemically-driven robotics.
In this 2-year project, you will develop innervated soft robotic hands and study how chemical signals can translate into mechanical motions of these robotic components.
Work in a state-of-the-art laboratory together with experts in mechanochemistry, materials, and actuator design.
Your main tasks will include to: • Design robotic components and actuators that respond to chemical signals.
• Optimize geometries and model deformations to match timescales of chemical processes.
• Develop robotic prototypes with built-in microfluidic channels • Build and maintain chemical and robotic setups.
• Train and supervise students.
• Excel in a top chemistry group with top-notch infrastructure.