Peter Wharton

Email: pw17442@bristol.ac.uk

Supervisors: Andrew Conn and Jonathan Rossiter

PhD Project Title: Travelling Wave Generation in Soft Robotics

Research Group: Soft Robotics

Biography

I started my studies in theoretical physics at the University of Leeds, after this, I took a few years working before returning to the University of Birmingham to do a masters degree in intelligent robotics. I found the topic a great match for me, particularly the challenging nature of bringing together a diverse range of disciplines and working towards real world impact. I decided that further study was needed to reach the forefront of this field (which was where I wanted to be) so joined the FARSCOPE CDT programme in 2018. 

My PhD research involves developing a soft bio-inspired worm-like robot which can move through confined channels and enclosed environments whilst minimising damage to itself and the environment. This is particularly suited to surgical applications, but the technology could also be applied to industrial pipe inspection, or other applications where locomotion in a confined space is required.