Studentship: Rolls-Royce Sponsored PhD Scholarship – Design and Manufacturing of Soft Robots for Performing On-Wing Inspection of Aero-Engines

Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology

The growing field of soft robotics has unlocked new possibilities for robotic systems to navigate uncertain and dynamic environments, including narrow spaces and interactions with unfamiliar objects.

This project aligns with Rolls-Royce’s technical needs for developing soft robotic solutions to enable in-situ/on-wing repair and maintenance of gas turbine engines. Applicants are invited to undertake a fully funded three-year PhD programme in partnership with Rolls-Royce to address key challenges in soft robotics for locomotion and manipulation in confined spaces. The successful candidate will be based at the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology at the University of Nottingham.

The Rolls-Royce UTC at the University of Nottingham is a leading research institution specializing in the development of soft and continuum robots for challenging environments (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-50598-1), (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0736584516300801). This research is driven by the need to perform repair tasks without disassembling industrial installations.

Building on these research and industrial successes, this project aims to design soft robotic systems capable of fast locomotion within aero-engines and operating end effectors for non-destructive testing (NDT) or laser ablation.

This exciting PhD opportunity offers a unique combination of academic and industrial challenges, equipping the student with the skills to tackle complex mechatronics, control, and manufacturing problems in real-world applications.

We are seeking talented candidates with:

•First or upper second-class degree in mechanical, mechatronics, robotics, cybernetics or related scientific discipline. 

• First-rate analytical and numerical skills, with a well-rounded academic background.

•Demonstrated ability to develop precision mechanical devices/mechatronics

•Ability to develop kinematic and/or dynamic analysis of mechanical/robotic systems

•Ability to use finite element modelling and to simulate complex mechatronics

•Ability to implement control and kinematics with hardware-in-the-loop

•Background with relevant packages, (CREO/SOLIDWORKS, ANSYS/ABAQUS, MATLAB)

•A driven, professional and self-dependent work attitude is essential

•Experience of working within the industry will be an advantage

•The ability to produce high-quality presentations and written reports

This is an excellent opportunity to work on a soft robotic system with strong links to industrial applications and key skills and knowledge in preparation for a high-impact, high-technology research or industrial career.

Funding Notes

The scholarship on offer comprises a tax-free stipend of approximately £19,237 a year; tuition fees paid and a generous study package.

Interested in this studentship? Applications with a CV, cover letter and academic transcripts should be sent to Dr Xin Dong. Suitable applicants will be interviewed, and if successful, invited to make a formal application. Do not submit your application via the My Nottingham platform without having contacted our team first. Please contact, Dr Xin Dong, for further information.

Email: Xin.Dong@nottingham.ac.uk

Due to the high volume of applications, we will only be contacting shortlisted candidates. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is appointed.

Closing Date: 31 Jul 2025 Category: Studentships