Autonomous insect-machine hybrid robots

An insect-machine hybrid robot or cyborg insect is the fusion of a living insect with a mountable electronic backpack. Such a biohybrid robot can achieve agile locomotion and high adaptability with low power consumption, low cost, and a simple control system. Due to its small size, the cyborg insect can penetrate deep into the rubble of collapsed buildings to search for buried victims. Although there has been great progress in controlling the locomotion and navigation of cyborg insects, the development of fully autonomous systems for real search and rescue missions is a major challenge.

This project aims to develop new hardware and stimulation protocols for cyborg insects to enable them to autonomously perform exploration tasks in complex environments such as those found in disaster scenarios.

Candidates with strong backgrounds in mechanical, mechatronics, electronics engineering, bioengineering, or similar disciplines are welcome to apply.

The PhD candidate will have access to state-of-the-art tools and technologies for biohybrid robotics and biomechanical research in the UQ Biorobotics Lab, which is part of the Research Centre for Future Autonomous Systems and Technologies (FAST) (link:https://mechmining.uq.edu.au/Research/Future-autonomous-systems-technologies).

In addition, the successful candidate will have access to top-notch facilities for mechanical and electronics engineering at UQ Innovate, other workshops, and laboratories in the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering. The candidate will also have the opportunity to work nationally and internationally with leading experts in Australia and around the world.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

You must contact the principal supervisor for this project to discuss your interest. You should only complete the online application after you have reached agreement on supervision.

Always make sure you are approaching your potential supervisor in a professional way. We have provided some guidelines for you on how to contact a supervisor.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history

A working knowledge of robot design and control, control system, PCB design, microcontroller programming, wireless sensor network, and biomechanics would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of biohybrid systems, bio-inspired robotics, robotics, control system and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of robotics, mechatronics, bioengineering, electronics, and/or mechanical engineering is highly desirable.

To be considered for this scholarship, please email the following documents to Dr T. Thang Vo (t.vodoan@uq.edu.au):

• Cover letter
• CV
• Academic transcript/s
• Evidence for meeting UQ's English language proficiency requirements eg TOEFL, IELTS

Please note the following: Submitting the above documents does not constitute a full application for admission into The University of Queensland's PhD program. If you are selected as the preferred applicant, you will then be invited to submit a full application for admission. You can familiarise yourself with the documents required for this process on the UQ Study website.