Project Overview
About the Position
This project explores how to embed intelligence directly into the 'body' of robotic materials, sitting at the intersection of mechanical metamaterials, robotics, active matter physics, and embodied AI.
| Opportunity | Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Embodying Intelligence in Robotic Materials |
| Host | University of Birmingham |
| Location | Birmingham, United Kingdom |
| Study Level | PhD |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Stipend | £21,805 per year (UKRI rate for 2026/27) |
| Application Deadline | 6 November 2026 |
| Apply | Official application page ↗ |
Basic Information
- Full Project Title: Embodying Intelligence in Robotic Materials
- Host Institution: University of Birmingham
- Department: School of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)
- Supervisor: Dr Jack Binysh
- Study Level: PhD
- Duration: 42 months
- Start Date: Autumn 2026 or January 2027
- Funding Type: Fully Funded (Home UK students)
- Stipend: £21,805 per year (UKRI rate for 2026/27)
- Tuition Fees: Covered for Home students
- Eligibility: UK Home students (strong international applicants encouraged to contact supervisor)
- Application Deadline: 6 November 2026
- IELTS Requirement: 6.0 (no component below 5.5)
- Contact: j.binysh@bham.ac.uk
Project Description
This project explores how to embed intelligence directly into the "body" of robotic materials, rather than relying solely on a central processor. The research sits at the intersection of mechanical metamaterials, robotics, active matter physics, and embodied AI. You will investigate self-learning active mechanical networks through a combination of tabletop experiments and theoretical modelling. Specific research will focus on developing decentralised learning techniques, capturing the non-linear dynamics of networks, exploring the relationship between network structure and function, and designing and executing tabletop robotic experiments.
Requirements
- Excellent undergraduate/Master's degree in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field
- Fluency in spoken and written English
Contact
- Email: j.binysh@bham.ac.uk
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be sent to the contacts above or raised through the channel given on the official announcement page.
Official Link
Full announcement and application portal: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/centres-institutes/research-in-mechanical-engineering/mechanical-engineering-phd-opportunities
Source: birmingham.ac.uk - the details in this listing were recorded from this official page.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 6 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
About University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is a public research university in Birmingham, England, and a Russell Group member. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral study across engineering, medicine, science, business, humanities and social sciences. Research and teaching bring together different disciplines to investigate challenges affecting health, technology, communities and the environment.
Official website: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/
How to Apply
Submit your application via the Mechanical Engineering PhD portal, specifying the project title and supervisor (Jack Binysh).
Application guides
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Embodying Intelligence in Robotic Materials?
The application deadline is 6 November 2026. Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/London time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/London but gives no clock time.
Is Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Embodying Intelligence in Robotic Materials fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. £21,805 per year (UKRI rate for 2026/27).
Who is eligible to apply for Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Embodying Intelligence in Robotic Materials?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for United Kingdom. Applications are assessed by University of Birmingham.
How do I apply for Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Embodying Intelligence in Robotic Materials?
Applications for Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Embodying Intelligence in Robotic Materials are submitted directly to University of Birmingham through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Embodying Intelligence in Robotic Materials?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for United Kingdom are published by the provider.
What study level does Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Embodying Intelligence in Robotic Materials offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.