About the project
This project aims to develop next-generation mind-controlled prosthetics and exoskeletons using memristor-based neuromorphic interfaces that emulate human synapses. You'll design, nanofabricate, and characterize these artificial synapses, establishing the foundational building blocks for advanced neurorehabilitation technologies
Millions of people worldwide suffer from mobility impairments caused by a range of conditions including spinal cord injuries, amputation, stroke, neurological disorders, or age-related conditions. Assistive technologies, from advanced prosthetic limbs to robotic exoskeletons, aim to restore these lost functions. However, current systems rely primarily on pre-programmed commands, which are neither intuitive nor personalized.
Imagine a mind-controlled exoskeleton or prosthetic limb that performs the intended action when you think about it, learns from experience, and memorizes tasks like a natural limb, enabling truly neuro-rehabilitative processes and maximizing functional outcomes. Achieving this requires novel neuromorphic interfaces at the human-device junction to enable direct, adaptive communication between the nervous system and artificial devices.
This project aims to develop memristors exhibiting artificial synaptic behaviour and use them to build the first-of-its-kind peripheral neuron/synapse networks for neuro-controlled assistive devices. This is a highly interdisciplinary project, suitable for you if you have a background or strong interest in electrical engineering, signal processing, computer communication, or micro/nano devices and systems. If you are someone keen to apply these skills to healthcare applications, with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life, this project could be a great fit.
You'll be supported by a transdisciplinary supervisory team with proven expertise in memristors and assistive healthcare technologies, and you'll have the opportunity to collaborate within a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team and benefit from established stakeholder networks.
The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break.
The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
