PhD position in Electrohydraulic Actuators for Robotic Systems 100%, Zurich, fixed-term
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH ZurichWe 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 onour website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Ronan Hinchet under the email Write an email (no applications).
