Robotics

Robotics at Leeds

An interdisciplinary network driving innovation in robotics research

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Da Vinci robot
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Institute of Robotics, Autonomous Systems and Sensing

We promote cutting-edge research and education in the field of robotics, autonomous systems and sensing

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Pietro colonoscopy platform
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Institute of Design, Robotics and Optimisation

We design and analyse complex systems involving technology, people and services

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Global health rig in Surgical Technologies
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Robotics

The University is an outstanding environment to advance robotics science and make a concrete impact on society, thanks to the unique breadth of capabilities and resources available on campus.

Professor Pietro Valdastri, Director of Robotics at Leeds, Storm Lab UK, and IRASS

Our research addresses key challenges on national and global scales through the development of novel robotic technologies. Our multidisciplinary community brings  together researchers who have a shared interest in robotic systems, medical robotics, field and infrastructure robotics, and artificial intelligence.

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Contact us

If you have an enquiry about robotics research, please contact Professor Pietro Valdastri.

Medical robotics

Professor Pietro Valdastri A kinder form of radiation

A kinder form of radiation

Our researchers are investigating whether a kinder form of radiation known as T-rays could be used to image and treat patients with skin or bowel cancer.

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Robotic arm and neck phantom Robotics, nanoparticles and ultrasound will treat cancer

Robotics, nanoparticles and ultrasound will treat cancer

Dr James McLaughlan is leading new research combining robotics, nanoparticles, ultrasound and lasers to combat head and neck cancer with treatment which could banish chemotherapy.

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Robotic load sensing platform Robotics and sensing technology to treat foot conditions

Robotics and sensing technology to treat foot conditions

Researchers have developed in-shoe sensor technology and a load sensing platform to help patients with chronic foot conditions linked to diabetes and arthritis.

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Magnetic Flexible Endoscope Transforming colonoscopy and surgery

Transforming colonoscopy and surgery

Professor Pietro Valdastri and his team are pioneering a new design of endoscope that uses a magnetic capsule with built-in imaging capability to enable faster, painless, low-cost investigations.

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Artificial intelligence (AI)

robotic object manipulation, research, computing, postgraduate, humanlike robot, artificial intelligence, reinforcement learning, intelligent robot Humanlike computing

Humanlike computing

A new design of robot, which can navigate and retrieve objects in a cluttered space in a way that is akin to how a human does, could be deployed into settings where workers require support.

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Robots being used to fight coronavirus in Leeds Bradford Airport Preventing the spread of coronavirus

Preventing the spread of coronavirus

Intelligent robots that combine navigation, computer vision and AI to identify objects that need regular cleaning could help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in busy public spaces.

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Tiago the robot Artificial Intelligence research

Artificial Intelligence research

Our researchers are contributing to the rapid, global development of intelligent machines by exploring the integration of advances in deep learning, symbolic reasoning, vision, language and robotics.

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Field and infrastructure robotics

National Facility for Innovative Robotic Systems, University of Leeds, UK Robotics Week, EPRSC UK-RAS Network, Peter Le Riche Self Repairing Cities

Self Repairing Cities

Our researchers are designing robots that identify and repair infrastructure for a project which aims to tackle the Grand Challenge of Zero disruption from streetworks in UK cities by 2050.

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Photo of a robot in the Great Pyramid. Exploration robots

Exploration robots

Engineers have developed a robot that has successfully navigated one of the narrow shafts of the Great Pyramid in an attempt to solve one of the big mysteries in Egyptian archaeology.

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Image of a drone in the air, around a foggy road. Robotics for urban nature

Robotics for urban nature

University of Leeds academics led international research exploring how drones, robots and autonomous systems can transform the natural world in and around cities for people and wildlife

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Business opportunities

Technological applications of robotics

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Working with business

Access our our research, expertise, training and facilities.

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Rob Bloomfield, Managing Director at Mechatech
Alumni | MRes Robotics
Mechatech are exploring human-machine interaction by developing robotic exoskeleton systems for medical applications alongside researchers from the University of Leeds.
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Research opportunities

Postgraduate research in robotics

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Artificial Intelligence for medical diagnosis and care

The UKRI CDT will equip cohorts of researchers with the necessary skills to unlock the potential of AI within the healthcare domain.

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Harriet Peel
Student
To make bridge bearing inspection easier and more repeatable, I have developed a robotic platform that uses low-cost, off-the-shelf technology with cameras to carry out visual inspection and other sensors for corrosion detection.
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Featured postgraduate researchers

To browse funded robotics projects, supervisors, research areas, and more PhD opportunities, visit phd.leeds.ac.uk.

Simone Calò

PhD, Developing ultra-low-cost technologies for gastric cancer screening in low and middle-income countries

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Lavinia Barducci

PhD, Control of Magnetic Flexible Endoscope

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Giovanni Pittiglio

PhD, Control of magnetically actuated robots for medical applications

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Joe Norton

PhD, A mobile robotic platform for hydro-colonoscopy

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Wisdom Chukwunwike Agboh

PhD, Artificial intelligence

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Harriet Peel

PhD, Robotic bridge bearing inspection

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Study with us

Our degrees give students the chance to learn about the mechatronics, robotics and autonomous systems underpinning many important technologies in society, and the global industry and career opportunities in this emerging field.

Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering MSc (Eng)

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Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering MEng, BEng

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Advanced Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) MSc

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Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) MEng, BSc

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