Smart Adaptive Materials for Soft Robotics Skins and Aero-robotic Applications (AE0076)

Start Date: Between 1 August 2026 and 1 July 2027

Introduction: Soft robotics is a rapidly advancing field with applications ranging from advanced manufacturing to space exploration. In unstructured environments, tactile-sensitive skins can dramatically increase robot dexterity, for instance by enabling safe interaction with delicate, deformable, or irregular objects. Similarly, in the aero-robotics context, deployable devices must be lightweight, adaptive, and robust under extreme conditions. Polymer nanocomposites have shown great promise for sensing and actuation, but current drawbacks include limited mechanical robustness, environmental stability and sensitivity.

This project aims to develop novel multifunctional polymer-based composites for (soft) robotics, focusing on bio-inspired tactile sensing skins, actuators, and adaptive structures. By creating lightweight, stretchable, and responsive materials, the project will address critical challenges in both robotic dexterity and aero-robotics applications.

This PhD project will be co-supervised by Dr. Emiliano Bilotti and Dr. Sophie Armanini, combining expertise in multifunctional polymer (nano)composites and unconventional unmanned air vehicles/bioinspired robots.

This is a unique opportunity to use state-of-the-art facilities (including the Composites Suite, the new high-temperature polymer processing equipment, the new electron microscopy unit, the aerial robotic flying arena) and to develop skills in polymer (nano)composites processing, advanced materials characterisation, control and bio-inspired materials/structures.

The outcomes will contribute to the development of next-generation autonomous systems, advancing embedded sensing, soft actuation, and adaptive materials. This aligns with departmental research priorities in robotics and aerospace, and with international initiatives such as ESA’s promotion of soft robotics and hydrogel research for radiation protection and space exploration.

Supervisors: Dr. Emiliano Bilotti; Dr. Sophie Armanini

Duration: 3.5 years.

Funding: Full coverage of tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of £22,780 for Home, EU and International students. 

Eligibility: Due to the competitive nature of these studentships, candidates will be expected to achieve/have achieved a First class honours MEng/MSci or higher degree (or international equivalent) in: Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.

How to apply:

• Stage 1: Submit your 2-page curriculum vitae (CV), transcripts and a 300-word statement explaining your motivation for applying to this PhD Studentship to: Supervisor Review Form. Our supervisors will perform a comprehensive review to long-list candidates. You do not need to contact the supervisors directly to confirm you have submitted the application.
  
  Deadline: 8 January 2026
• Stage 2: Supervisors will email further instructions and an application link to long-listed candidates, inviting them to make a formal application to the PhD Studentship.

Contact: For questions about the project: Dr. Emiliano Bilotti: e.bilotti@imperial.ac.uk or Dr. Sophie Armanini: s.armanini@imperial.ac.uk

For queries regarding the application process, email Lisa Kelly, PhD Administrator: l.kelly@imperial.ac.uk

Frequently Asked Questions: You can also find answers to common questions on our Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Imperial is committed to equality and valuing diversity. We are an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Disability Confident Employer and are working in partnership with GIRES to promote respect for trans people.