(Semi-)Automation of Robots in Challenging Environments

The Robotics for Extreme Environments Group invites applications for a PhD studentship to develop (semi-)autonomous control of manipulator robots in challenging environments. The successful candidate will work at the RAICo1 facility in Cumbria, where they will have the opportunity to work in close partnership with robotics and vision experts from the University of Manchester, Sellafield Ltd and the UK Atomic Energy Authority.

The (semi-)automation of robotic systems including a robot manipulator in challenging environments is, in general, an unsolved problem. It requires the synergistic combination of state-of-the-art model-based and data-driven strategies, and the careful combination of those into a deployable system in realistic conditions. The main challenge lies in the constraints imposed by the environment, which can be in terms of obstacles and or sensorial limitations. Additionally, these types of environments are often highly constrained by nature and cluttered by objects that are difficult to detect and must be avoided. Of particular interest is how safely control the robot system in these conditions, given that the robotic system includes at least one robotic arm. This project will explore, depending on candidate’s background, various robotic systems including a robotic arm (fixed, wheeled, legged), sensors, model-based control (model-predictive control and variants), and data-driven processing of sensorial data. This project aims to address real problems with high potential for visible impact.

This project will be undertaken in the RAICo One facility (https://hotrobotics.co.uk/facilities/university-of-manchester-2/), which is located in Whitehaven, Cumbria. The facility is a collaboration between The University of Manchester, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Sellafield Ltd. The facility is well equipped with a range of robotic systems, including a Unitree B1, several Boston Dynamic Spots and various AgileX, Clearpath, Kuka, UR, and Kinova robots. RAICo One also has dedicated robotic test areas that include unique demonstration areas for aerial, ground, and aquatic robots. RAICo One focuses on developing robots for nuclear decommissioning which can operate in areas inaccessible to humans. The facility is in Cumbria, next to the Lake District, which is one of the most beautiful regions of the UK.

Eligibility

Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree in engineering or computer science or an MSc qualification in Robotics, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or other equivalent discipline.

Candidates must meet the School’s minimum English Language requirement.

Candidates will be expected to comply with the University’s policies and practices of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Applicants will be required to evidence the following skills:

• Creative and innovation potential, ability to think out of the box.

• Motivation of the candidate for inter-disciplinary research.

• Ability to work with both academics and industrialists.

• You must be capable of performing at a very high level.

• You must have a self-driven interest in uncovering and solving unknown problems and be able to work hard and creatively without constant supervision.

Funding

At Manchester we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers applying for competition and self-funded projects.

For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-fap

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing [email protected].

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).