PhD Positions in Wearable Robotics, Human Balance, and AI for Human Mobility

NTU Human-Centered Robotics Lab is recruiting highly motivated PhD candidates (Jan/Aug 2027 intake) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore).

Candidates may come directly from relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s programs, depending on the research experience.

Research Areas and Opportunities

Human balance is fundamental to every movement, yet remains one of the least understood and least assisted aspects of mobility. Our research aims to establish a new paradigm for engineering intelligent balance systems that can:

• perceive human movement and the surrounding environment,
• model human–robot interaction dynamics,
• and provide adaptive real-time assistance.

Current research directions include:

• Wearable robotics and exoskeletons
• Human balance and perturbation-response analysis
• Real-time gait phase detection and locomotion analysis
• Human–robot interaction and adaptive assistance
• Embedded AI and edge intelligence for wearable systems
• Parkinson’s disease and neurological gait rehabilitation

Candidate Profile

We are looking for students with a strong interest in robotics, biomechanics, AI, control, or healthcare technologies. Note that a master’s degree is not strictly required for PhD admission in Singapore.

Applicants with backgrounds in one or more of the following areas are encouraged to apply:

• Robotics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Science
• AI / Machine Learning
• Control Systems
• Biomechanics
• Human Movement Science

Strong motivation, creativity, and willingness to work across disciplines are highly valued.

Prior experience in programming, robotics, embedded systems, machine learning, biomechanics, or control is beneficial but not strictly required.

Funding Opportunities

Fully funded positions typically include:

• tuition coverage
• monthly stipend
• conference support
• and research funding.

PhD students may also apply through competitive scholarship programs, including:

• Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
• NTU Research Scholarship
• Nanyang President’s Graduate Scholarship

Why NTU Singapore?

NTU is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities and provides a highly interdisciplinary and international research environment. The lab will collaborate closely with:

• clinicians,
• robotics researchers,
• AI researchers,
• and industry partners,

with opportunities for translational healthcare impact and international collaboration.

How to Apply

Application details: https://jiaenwu.github.io/join/

Application deadline: July 31, 2026

For additional questions, please contact

Dr. Jiaen Wu

Assistant Professor School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Nanyang Technological University jiaenwu@stanford.edu