We invent robots. Our group is pioneering the emerging field of Soft Robotics. We are also exploring modular and swarm robotic systems. We have a strong focus on task and application and our most recent focus is on Robotics for Extreme Environments via the EPSRC funded ORCA Hub, and the Innovate-UK funded Connect-R project. We have PhD opportunities across all our robotics themes via the EPSRC funded Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and Autonomous Systems.
Robotics for Extreme Environments: ORCA Hub and Connect-R
Operations in hostile environments–such as those found in Nuclear Decommissioning, Oil and Gas, Mining, and Space–require the execution of sophisticated tasks. Examples of these tasks are: building structures, and deploying tools for inspection, lifting, and cutting. These environments pose a significant risk to the health and safety of manual workers. The safety of personnel can be mitigated by the use of autonomous robotic systems which can perform the required tasks in these extreme environments.
Read more about our active projects on developing robotic systems for operations in extreme environments: ORCA Hub and Connect-R
Soft Robotics
Soft systems represent a new way of thinking about robotics. They represent a change in thinking about the traditional fabrication methods, and materials, used in the manufacture of electromechanical tools and devices. Soft systems have the following characteristics: i) they are inherently compliant, ii) they exhibit non-linear dynamics, and iii) they can be manufactured at low-cost.
Swarm Robotics
We study systems containing many interacting components with a focus on sensing. Our research interests in this area are in: collective perception, distributed sensing, mobile nodes, swarming nodes, and collaborative sensing. We are interested in swarms of sensor agents, which, following very simple local rules, demonstrate emergent behaviours. Our research is inspired by nature and we believe that this class of systems will become tremendously important in tackling real world problems such as searching for survivors after an earthquake. We emphasise the importance of fabrication; such systems need to be low-cost and reliable, which adds another dimension to our research: manufacturability. Our research facilities at the University of Edinburgh lay the foundation for the development of new manufacturing processes and our collaboration with the University of Michigan in the United States combines world-leading expertise in bioinspired engineering, sensing, multiagent systems and data analysis.
Rehabilitative Robotics
SOPHIA: This project investigates the design, calibration and testing of the “SOPHIA” (Soft Orthotic Physiotherapy Hand Interactive Aid) system. SOPHIA is a soft robotic device for stroke rehabilitation, more specifically for hand motor impairment recovery. The system will be of a lightweight design, low cost, aesthetically friendly, and it will help patients to recover normal patterns of motion in their hand after a stroke. It will also aid physiotherapists in tracking how the rehabilitation is progressing. The project is funded by the Royal Society/Newton Fund and it is a partnership between Heriot-Watt University (HWU), University of Edinburgh (UoE) and the International Institute of Neuroscience – Edmond and Lily Safra (IIN-ELS) in Macaiba, Brazil. The project is leaded at HWU by Dr Patricia A. Vargas and Prof David Corne together with the PhD student, Alistair McConnell; at IINN-ELS by Dr Fabricio Brasil and Dr Renan Moioli, and at UoE, by Dr Adam Stokes.
Modular Robotics
Using Voice Coils to Actuate Modular Soft Robots: In this study, we present a modular worm-like robot, which utilizes voice coils as a new paradigm in soft robot actuation. Drive electronics are incorporated into the actuators, providing a significant improvement in self-sufficiency when compared with existing soft robot actuation modes such as pneumatics or hydraulics. The body plan of this robot is inspired by the phylum Annelida and consists of three-dimensional printed voice coil actuators, which are connected by flexible silicone membranes. Each electromagnetic actuator engages with its neighbor to compress or extend the membrane of each segment, and the sequence in which they are actuated results in an earthworm-inspired peristaltic motion. We find that a minimum of three segments is required for locomotion, but due to our modular design, robots of any length can be quickly and easily assembled. In addition to actuation, voice coils provide audio input and output capabilities. We demonstrate transmission of data between segments by high-frequency carrier waves and, using a similar mechanism, we note that the passing of power between coupled coils in neighboring modules—or from an external power source—is also possible. Voice coils are a convenient multifunctional alternative to existing soft robot actuators. Their self-contained nature and ability to communicate with each other are ideal for modular robotics, and the additional functionality of sound input/output and power transfer will become increasingly useful as soft robots begin the transition from early proof-of-concept systems toward fully functional and highly integrated robotic systems.
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