Robotic manipulation

Summary

As robots integrate into daily life, achieving human-level dexterity is crucial for tasks like precision assembly, household assistance, and healthcare. This PhD project focuses on developing methods related to the following research topics:

• Robotic fine manipulation
• In-hand dexterous manipulation
• Skill acquisition and transfer
• Bimanual manipulation

You will contribute to cutting-edge research combining robotics, AI, and control systems, working both in simulators (e.g., MuJoCo, PyBullet, etc.) and with real robotic systems.

The PhD will be supervised by Dr Kunpeng Yao who joins the University of Leeds in March 2025 from MIT.

About the University

The University of Leeds is a leading institution with state-of-the-art robotics labs and a vibrant research culture. The School of Computer Science is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, bringing together experts in robotic learning, manipulation, and perception. As part of the Robotics at Leeds initiative, the school contributes to pioneering research in medical robotics, field and infrastructure robotics, and artificial intelligence. This collaborative environment provides an excellent platform for innovative research and development in robotics.

About You

We seek a highly motivated candidate with:

Essential

• A master’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or related fields.
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, or MATLAB, or C++; knowledge in ROS).
• Interest in robot control, learning, manipulation, and task planning.

Preferred

• Experience with robotic hardware or simulation tools.
• Publications in robotics conferences/journals.

About the Supervisor

Kunpeng Yao, Ph.D., IEEE Member, is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA. He received his Ph.D. degree in Robotics, Control, and Intelligent Systems from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland, in 2022. His primary research interests include robotic dexterous grasping, manipulation, task and motion planning, tactile sensing, and human motor control.

Applicants to this research degree programme are required to hold a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) and a Master’s degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or related fields. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.5 in writing and at least 6.0 in reading, listening and speaking or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.