Remote tactile sensing through optical fibres for robotics in extreme environments Ref: 5515

Supervisors

Primary Supervisor - Associate Professor David Phillips

Secondary Supervisor - Professor Euan Hendry, Emil Jonasson, Robotics Research and Technology Team, UK Atomic Energy Authority

Fully-funded PhD Studentship - Remote tactile sensing through optical fibres for robotics in extreme environments

Department of Physics and Astronomy, Streatham Campus (Exeter)

We are offering a fully-funded PhD studentship working at the interface of photonics, robotics and fusion research. The project is focussed on the development of new imaging technologies to enhance robotic systems for use in the fusion industry. It is jointly funded by the University of Exeter and RACE (Remote Applications in Challenging Environments, https://race.ukaea.uk/ ), part of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) fusion research and development programme, creating robots for operating in some of the most challenging environments imaginable. UKAEA’s wider mission is to lead the commercial development of fusion power and related technology, and position the UK as a leader in sustainable nuclear energy. 

The aim of this project is to develop a new type of laser-based tactile sensor designed for robotics operating in extreme environments where conventional electronics fails. Tactile sensors provide information about stimuli arising from mechanical interactions of a system with its environment and are widely used in robotics. However, current tactile sensor technology relies heavily on electronic systems, which prohibits their use in extreme environments where conditions damage electronic systems – such as the highly radioactive chamber of a fusion reactor. To overcome this challenge, in this project you will develop a new approach to tactile sensing, based on all-optical laser imaging through hair-thin strands of multimode optical fibre. Optical fibres are frequently used in transmitting optical signals for high-speed broadband internet. Recent research from the University of Exeter and collaborators has shown that optical fibres can also be used to directly transmit images all-optically (i.e., without the need for electronics) [1,2,3]. The project will employ these new fibre imaging techniques to funnel 2D and 3D images carrying real-time tactile sensory information from robotic systems situated within extreme environments to the outside world. This advance has the potential to open up many new applications, allowing robotics to be deployed in many extreme environments. 

This is a 3.5-year PhD position based in the Structured Light Lab, within the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Exeter (Streatham campus, Exeter). The Structured Light Lab is led by Prof. David Phillips and consists of a dynamic team of PhD and postdoctoral researchers working at the forefront of photonics research – please take a look at our recent publications to see the scope of our research. You will conduct your research in the Lab’s dedicated state-of-the-art laser laboratory facilities, which are well-supported by active grants from the European Research Council (ERC), and the UK Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC). You will gain significant expertise in experimental optics and photonics, and specific skills in programming (e.g., python). The project will be co-supervised by researchers from UKAEA. The fibre-based tactile sensor will be built at the University of Exeter and tested via trips to UKAEA’s facilities in Oxfordshire. The PhD studentship includes travel resources for these visits, as well as support for travel to the leading international conferences in the field. 

The ideal candidate should have an enthusiasm for experimental work and programming. This research project would ideally suit a candidate with a background in one of the following disciplines: Physics, Optics, Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, although we are open to any enthusiastic applicant with a science-related background. 

The start date of the studentship is October 2025 or soon thereafter. The award covers UK tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of £20,780 for a duration of 3.5 years (full time) or part time equivalent. The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for part of the international tuition fee (~£24k) and no stipend.   

International applicants need to be aware that they will have to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.  

The project is part funded by a project partner UKAEA. The collaboration with the UKAEA is subject to contract.  Please note full details of the project partner’s contribution and involvement with the project will be confirmed at offer stage. 

For informal enquiries please contact Prof. David Phillips at the University of Exeter (email: d.phillips@exeter.ac.uk). 

[1] Kupianskyi et al. (2024). All-optically untangling light propagation through multimode fibers. Optica, 11(1), 101-112.

https://doi.org/10.1364/OPTICA.502144 

[2] Li et al.(2021). Memory effect assisted imaging through multimode optical fibres. Nature Communications, 12(1), 3751. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-23729-1 

[3] Stellinga et al. (2021). Time-of-flight 3D imaging through multimode optical fibers. Science, 374(6573), 1395-1399. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2107.11450

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in the physical sciences or engineering. (relevant subjects include Physics, Optics, Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, although we are open to any enthusiastic applicant with a science-related background).

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information.

How to apply

Apply now

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents:

•            CV

•            Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).

•            Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)

•            Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number.

•            If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.

The closing date for applications is midnight on April 10th 2025 Interviews will be held virtually in the week commencing April 17th 2025

All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided.

Please quote reference 5515 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

Summary