PhD position in Electrohydraulic Actuators for Robotic Systems

16 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

ETH Zürich

Research Field

Computer science » Other
Engineering » Electrical engineering
Engineering » Mechanical engineering
Engineering » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Switzerland

Application Deadline

12 Jun 2024 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Part-time

Hours Per Week

41

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

PhD position in Electrohydraulic Actuators for Robotic Systems

The Soft Robotics Laboratory offers a fully funded doctoral position on the topic of electrohydraulic actuators and muscles for robotic systems. You will join a group working on soft and biohybrid robotics and focus on developing and controlling soft actuators that serve as artificial muscles to create musculoskeletal robots. These soft robotic systems have applications in various fields, such as wildlife exploration, underwater locomotion, medical devices and object manipulation.

Project background

Electrohydraulic actuators are a novel technology that has demonstrated application potential thanks to their smart topology design and capacitive self-sensing capability, which ease control and integration into mobile robots. However, many challenges remain, such as the actuators' low stroke, low reliability, slow and inconsistent production, and bulky high voltage Power supply requirements. Your work aims to find creative and effective solutions to these challenges and potentially conceive completley new muscle-like actuator technologies.

Job description

The doctoral studies will focus on the co-optimization of the structure and control of low voltage electrohydraulic actuators, which is an integrated process that starts from material selection and design choice suitable for mass fabrication and ends with the proper control policies. Materials dictate the fundamental physics within the actuators, and design determines actuation principles, which are crucial in efficiency, force, and speed improvements. Accurate and consistent fabrication of soft actuators is a must for future product developments. The ability to accurately control the actuators is key to a wide range of applications and can be acquired with help from the self-sensing capability of the actuators. The actuators will also be integrated into robotic systems as functional demonstrators that can operate in real-world environments.

The doctoral thesis work will focus on:

• The actuator materials selection and design optimization
• Their characterization and the implementation of self-sensing capability
• The integration of actuators into robotic systems
• Scalable fabrication techniques including quality control of the actuators

The output of the Ph.D. thesis will be highly relevant as a competitive soft actuator element for building the next generation of soft and musculoskeletal robots.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated, outstanding individual who is curious to continuously consider perspectives of different fields and work in an interdisciplinary environment. We particularly value diligence, perseverance, and curiosity in your day-to-day scientific work.

You should:

• Hold a master's degree in an engineering field relevant to electrohydraulic actuators or soft robotics, such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or materials science
• Have an excellent track record and meet the general admission requirements for a doctorate at ETH Zurich .
• Have previous research experience in engineering-related topics
• Have previous experience working with actuators and robotic systems
• Have had exposure to thin film fabrication techniques and potentially be familiar with functional polymers
• Have experience in developing actuators, sensors, or other functional structures

 

We offer

ETH offers an exciting opportunity, and admission is highly competitive. The fellows will be employed according to the regulations of ETH Zurich. Upon completing the doctorate, the fellows are awarded the title "Doctor of Sciences (Dr. sc. ETH Zurich)".

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can expect an exciting working environment, cultural diversity, and attractive offers and benefits.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity
In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.
Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents in a single merged PDF document, titled with your last name and initials as well as the application date (for example, 20240301_DoeJane_application) in the following order:

Cover letter with a description of your research achievements and research interests

Detailed CV

Transcripts of all degrees (English)

Names and contact information of at least three references

Representative published research work (e.g., papers and thesis).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about our group can be found on our website . Questions regarding the position should be directed to Ronan Hinchet under the email [email protected] (no applications).

About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in
science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,
cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our
university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,
yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to
develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
Requirements

Research Field

Computer science

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Engineering

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Engineering

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Engineering

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Additional Information

Website for additional job details

https://academicpositions.com

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

ETH Zürich

Country

Switzerland

City

Zurich

Postal Code

8006

Street

Rämistrasse 101

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://academicpositions.com/ad/eth-zurich/2024/phd-position-in-electrohydraul…

Contact

City

Zurich

Website

https://ethz.ch/en.html

Postal Code

8006

STATUS: EXPIRED