Myra (Miranda) Lowther

Soft Robotics Research for Reconstructive Science, Prosthetics, and their Users

Hi, I'm Myra

I am a senior PhD researcher at University of Bristol/Bristol Robotics Laboratory.

I am completing my Robotics and Autonomous Systems PhD at Bristol Robotics Laboratory/University of Bristol (ending September 2025), through one of 10 competitively funded FARSCOPE CDT places.

I am focussed on using soft robotic technology to create solutions that can be used to help others, prioritising solutions that could use materials and processes that clinicians/healthcare scientists already use.

I am passionate about working with patients, clinicians, and users to identify their needs, and create innovative technology, improving their lives through my research.

My Research Interests

Soft Robotics For Healthcare

Electronic Skins

My PhD Research

My research focuses on using soft robotics and morphological computation to help prosthetic users and clinicians.

This research has culminated so far in an electronic skin (E-Skin) to be used as a sensorised prosthetic liner.

The E-Skin consists of a saline-filled channel network, encased with silicone, and acts as a fluidic tactile sensor.

This liner is made from bio-compatible materials, and using methods similar to those used in prosthetics fabrication. This helps place such technology one step closer to implementation to help others.

As part of this work, I have created this novel fabrication process. I have also developed a test bed for effective testing of such tactile E-Skins, including custom measurement electronics and a wireless data acquisition system.

My Background

Prior to my PhD, I completed an MEng in Electronic Engineering (with a Year in Industry) at the University of York. This opportunity included a 12-month placement at Renesas Electronics, where I worked on microcontroller solutions as part of the Applications Engineering Team.

I also developed sensorised Twisted String Actuators for my dissertation, using conductive thread and yarn to measure the string's effective length.

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