PhD in Device Integration and Sensing for Liquid Crystal Polymer Haptic Interfaces

Introduction

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to integrate responsive liquid crystal polymer coatings into functional haptic devices. This position is part of the Vici project Beyond sight and sound: liquid crystal polymer-based tactile interfaces for the digital age. The project aims to develop interactive surfaces that communicate through touch, enabling future applications in tactile displays, wearable navigation systems, prosthetics, remote communication, and immersive virtual or augmented reality.

In this PhD project, you will focus on device integration, localized actuation, and sensing. You will work with liquid crystal polymer haptic coatings that can change surface topography, stiffness, adhesion, or tactile output when triggered by electrical or optical signals. Your role will be to integrate these coatings with driving electronics and sensing schemes to create functional demonstrators, including a tactile display and wea...