Robotics

Course detail Description

The Centre for Robotics Research in the Department of Informatics has an international reputation in the field of robotics, mechanisms, kinematics, and their applications to medical science and production. Since 2010 Robotics has been part of the Department of Informatics, taking advantage of natural opportunities and synergies, continuing its record of prolific publication in prestigious journals, and securing several millions of pounds in research funding.

Staff are reputed nationally and internationally in kinematics, robotics and mechatronics, and collaborate closely with the KCL Health Schools (including St Thomas’ and Guy’s Hospitals) and numerous industrial partners. The Centre is renowned for its multidisciplinary research at the interfaces between Robotics, Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering.

The mission of the Centre for Robotics Research is to develop world-leading solutions to critical challenges faced in society where robot-centric approaches can improve outcomes. Projects largely revolve around medical themes, while recent research efforts have expanded that remit to include horticulture/agriculture, manufacturing and humanitarian demining. The centre brings together specialised expertise in innovative sensing and manipulation technologies, reconfigurable and flexible metamorphic robotic platforms, variable stiffness and soft-body materials, dynamic control methodologies for multi-robot teams and progressive modes of human-robot integration. Many of the activities emphasize interaction with people, from haptic controllers to surgical instrumentation to prosthetic devices and rehabilitation equipment, incorporating machine learning, trajectory planning and shared decision making to provide adaptive interfaces that improve performance over time.

If you are interested in joining us to undertake PhD research, you should identify topics and academic staff in your area of interest. If you cannot find your chosen topic or area on our individual research section or subgroup pages, contact a relevant member of academic staff for further information and then follow the application procedure.

We are a department with many internationally recognised researchers and visiting academics, large groups of PhD students, research assistants, national and international projects, collaborations with other departments as well as links with industry. We offer an exciting environment and excellent opportunities for research.

Our PhD students have access to good library facilities, designated PhD offices within the Department where PhD students can dock an assigned laptop for use throughout their studies, Regular group seminars are organised providing PhD students chance to showcase their research and receive feedback from academic staff and peers, and college-based training in transferable and research skills.

The Department is located on the Strand Campus, in the heart of central London, close to the cultural activities of the West End and the South Bank, to the major departments of state at Whitehall, and to the leading financial institutions of the City, and within easy reach of major transport links. Our facilities are within easy reach of the British Computer Society and the Institute of Engineering & Technology (and the IET Library), with access to a formidable collection of scientific journals and other technical material.

The Department moved to the historic Bush House in the summer of 2017, featuring state-of-the-art teaching and office spaces. Although the Department is fairly large in size, there is a friendly and inclusive culture, with regular social and celebratory events to bring staff and students together. Our staff and students come from all over the world, which provides a rich environment for teaching and research. Diversity is positively encouraged and you can read more about the work we’re doing to ensure an inclusive and supportive working environment on our webpages:

Faculty and College induction courses are scheduled at the beginning of your degree to prepare you for life as a PhD student. All students are required to complete 10 days of training each year. There is a centrally provided programme of related and transferable skills training coordinated by the Centre for Doctoral Studies.

Research students are also encouraged to submit papers to conferences, and we try to provide financial support for them to travel to present their papers.

Our research students are also encouraged to teach alongside their studies to help prepare them for a potential future career in academia.

Head of Department: Professor Luc Moreau

Contact the Admissions Office

• Before you apply: via our Enquiry Form (
• After applying: use the messaging service at apply.kcl.ac.uk or contact the Postgraduate Officer, Admissions Office Tel: +44 (0)20 7848 1648

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