Applications for 2021 intake open 14 September 2020.
Fill out the Expression of Interest Form if you're interested in applying.
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VIP Snapshot
Monitoring human health and creating hi-tech robotic skin are just two of the futuristic applications for our highly sensitive, stretchable, robust and flexible sensors and systems. Westworld is closer than you think!
VIP ChallENG research goals
We aim to develop new wearable sensor systems that can detect, characterise, communicate and analyse vital human health biosignals.
The system will consist of tactile sensors that are ultrasensitive, flexible and wearable; integrated power sources; on-board data capture and storage; a communications protocol; and a software system.
To achieve this new type of tactile sensor system, we will focus on the following specific objectives:
- Design and advanced manufacturing of wearable sensors for mechanical and biochemical signals. We will investigate the capability of the developed tactile sensors to precisely detect and distinguish various mechanical stimuli including normal, shear, stretching and bending forces.
- Design and prepare a new family of flexible tactile sensors with high sensitivity and stretchability based on the development of a new sensor with anisotropic response through microstructural engineering.
- Characterise structural and compositional properties of polymer nanocomposites and evaluate the electromechanical properties of resultant tactile sensors.
- Identify the key parameters influencing the sensing performance of the tactile sensors and elucidate their working mechanisms. We will develop new theoretical models to describe the sensing mechanism of this new class of sensors.
- Develop new power sources that are safe to wear.
- Develop power management software to minimise the energy consumption of wearable sensor systems.
- Develop intelligent computational software for data analysis and communication.
- Evaluate the wearable sensor systems for tracking human motion and health, as well as for flexible surgery robots.
Research, design or technical ChallENG
Stretchability and high sensitivity are the key characteristics of advanced wearable sensors. However, a major challenge remains in simultaneously attaining high sensitivity and a broad sensing range. This project will design and fabricate wearable sensor devices with high sensitivity and stretchability based on rational material designs and structural engineering. This novel form of sensor device will be unveiled through fundamental research into its working mechanism, new device fabrication techniques, and innovative material structural engineering.
Desired background
All engineering degrees are welcome, however students specialising in the below areas are encouraged to apply.
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