PhD Research Studentships
METAMORPH – Metamorphic Robots for Extreme Reconfigurability
| Supervisor: | Kaspar ALTHOEFER |
| Apply by: | 28 January 2026 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
Description
Robotic systems are traditionally constrained by fixed structures that fundamentally limit their adaptability and functionality. This PhD project, METAMORPH, aims to develop a new class of bio-inspired, soft, and reconfigurable robots capable of constructing, deconstructing, and reconfiguring themselves on demand. The project will extend emerging paradigms in soft robotics and embodied intelligence to enable robots with extreme shape-shifting capabilities that can access remote or highly constrained environments through narrow openings.
METAMORPH advances the concept of robot metamorphism, in which robotic structures are no longer pre-defined but can spontaneously manifest and dissolve by reallocating the structural elements they are made of. The research will explore a novel approach based on transporting smart particulates into flexible, inextensible shells, followed by controlled particulate solidification to form stable, task-specific robot morphologies directly at the target location.
Working at the intersection of robotics, soft materials, artificial Intelligence (AI), embodied intelligence (EI), the PhD student will address key challenges in robotic design, modelling, and AI-based learning methods, and will develop and experimentally validate proof-of-concept metamorphic robotic systems. The project will balance fundamental research with hands-on prototyping and experimental evaluation.
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) will serve as a flagship application to demonstrate real-world relevance. Existing surgical robots are severely constrained by narrow access routes, resulting in limited dexterity. METAMORPH robots offer a pathway to decouple access constraints from in-situ functionality. The project will culminate in experimental evaluations conducted in collaboration with expert surgeons, benchmarking METAMORPH prototypes against laparoscopy and state-of-the-art surgical robotic systems.
We seek a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in engineering, robotics, physics, or a related discipline. Experience in mechatronics, and/or soft robotics is desired. Curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research are key.
Funding
Funded by: China Scholarship CouncilCandidate will need to secure a CSC scholarship.
Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.
Eligibility
- The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
- If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
- Candidates are expected to start in September (Semester 1).
Contact
For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Kaspar ALTHOEFER.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD FT Mechanical Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-709" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| Related website: | https://www.seresearch.qmul.ac.uk/robotics/ | |
| SEMS Research Centre: | ||
| Keywords: | Artificial Intelligence, Control Systems, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanics, Robotics |