PhD Robotics and Systems Engineering

Program Overview

Introduction

The food industry is very labour intensive and as a result is under threat from low wage economies. To allow companies to remain competitive they need to embrace automation. Led by Dr Steve Davis you will learn how many of the challenges found in the food industry cannot be addressed by conventional automation and how advanced systems and grippers are required.

Research Areas

• Cognition Robotics and Autonomous Systems
  • We use the term "cognitive robotics" to refer to robots with higher level cognitive functions that involve knowledge representation and reasoning.
  • You will work on robots with cognitive capabilities, which are key elements to autonomous systems, such as perception processing, attention allocation, anticipation, planning, reasoning about other agents, and perhaps reasoning about their own mental states.
  • Several projects are currently undertaken in this area in collaboration with psychologists and neuroscientist from European institutions.
  • This course is led by Prof. S. Nefti-Meziani and Dr T. Theodoridis.
• Biologically Inspired Robotics Research
  • Dr Steve Davis leads this research which covers all areas of biologically inspired robotics.
  • Future robots will move away from operating solely in factories and will interact more closely with humans.
  • This will require a more natural/biological-like human-machine interaction.
  • You will work with new design approaches and learn how they will shape future robotic systems.
  • You will learn how traditional actuators have many shortcomings and how compliance can greatly improve the safety of human robot interaction, and also how these technologies have application in healthcare and rehabilitation applications.
• End-effectors and robot hands
  • Also led by Dr Steve Davis, this research area is concerned with the development of advanced end effectors.
  • You will learn how innovative approaches can be used to grasp difficult to handle products.
  • This course will also teach you how multi-fingered dexterous end-effectors, similar to the human hand, can handle a broad range of products, and how these technologies can be used in tele-presence tasks.
• Swarm Intelligence and Multi-Agent Systems
  • This research theme, as led by Prof. S. Nefti Meziani and Dr T. Theodoridis, concerns the development of an Intelligent Collaborative Behaviour using Multi-Agent Systems/robots using novel swarm intelligent techniques.
  • We have introduced the irrationality theory applied in path planning, obstacle avoidance and emergent behaviours, using the Khepera robots (K-Team) and the Webots simulator.
• Uninhabited Autonomous Systems/Air Vehicles (UAS/UAV)
  • Prof. S. Nefti Meziani, Dr A. Jones, and Dr E. Chadwick lead the research into how uninhabited autonomous systems (UAS) cope with unscripted procedures when conducting a mission where commands are issued at high levels of abstraction.
  • It is designed around human-centric needs with the ability to perform tasks in accordance with instructions which lack adequate 'terms of reference'.
  • You will work in autonomous systems that involve humans-in-the-loop.

Course Details

All about the course

Robotics and systems engineering postgraduate research is available in a range of pathways:

• Master's by Research (MSc)
  • One year full-time
  • Two years part-time
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
  • One year full-time
  • Two years part-time
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  • Three years full-time
  • Six years part-time

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

Requirements

What you need to know

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• A minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a numerate subject such as Engineering, Science, Mathematics or Computer Science.
• You should be able to demonstrate the use of structured programming language such as C.

APPLICANT PROFILE

• You should have a first degree that provides a foundation in the areas of computer science or engineering.
• Candidates with a Bachelors and a Masters degree in one of the following areas will be preferred: robotics, mechatronics, automation and control, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
• Experience of experimental research involving statistical analyses of experimental results on the basis of measuring system performance is preferable but is not essential.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - ACADEMIC TECHNOLOGY APPROVAL SCHEME (ATAS)

• International Students are required by the Home Office and/or the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate before they begin studying their course.
• You might need to obtain an ATAS Certificate before you come to the UK in order for you to comply with Home Office regulations.

Tuition Fees

• As a postgraduate research student, you will need to pay annual tuition fees.
• These vary according to the programme you are studying.
• Both we and other organisations offer a range of scholarships and discounts to postgraduate research students.

Additional Costs

• You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on residential travel and accommodation visits.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

#Introduction:

This program focuses on advanced robotics and systems engineering research within various areas. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to address real-world challenges in automation, intelligent systems, and human-robot interaction.

#Objectives:

• Conduct research in specialized areas of robotics and systems engineering.
• Develop innovative solutions for challenges in various industries.
• Gain expertise in advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, and mechatronics.
• Prepare for a career in research, academia, or industry.
• #Description:
The program offers research opportunities in various pathways:
• Cognition Robotics and Autonomous Systems: Focuses on robots with advanced cognitive capabilities, like perception, planning, and reasoning.
• Biologically Inspired Robotics Research: Explores new design approaches inspired by natural systems to improve human-robot interaction.
• End-effectors and robot hands: Develops advanced robotic hands for handling various objects and tasks.
• Swarm Intelligence and Multi-Agent Systems: Utilizes swarm intelligence principles for multi-agent systems and robot collaboration.

Teaching:

#Teaching Methods:

The document mentions research supervision and guidance throughout the program.

#Faculty:

The document highlights the program leaders for each research area:

• Dr. Steve Davis: Automation for the Food Industry, Biologically Inspired Robotics, End-effectors and robot hands
• Prof. S. Nefti-Meziani: Cognition Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Swarm Intelligence and Multi-Agent Systems
• Dr. T. Theodoridis: Cognition Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Swarm Intelligence and Multi-Agent Systems
• Prof. A. Jones: Uninhabited Autonomous Systems/Air Vehicles
• Dr. E. Chadwick: Uninhabited Autonomous Systems/Air Vehicles

Careers:

The program aims to prepare graduates for diverse career paths in research, academia, and industry.

#Potential Career Paths:

• Research Scientist
• Robotics Engineer
• Automation Engineer
• Mechatronics Engineer
• AI Specialist
• University Professor
• #Career Opportunities:
The program opens doors to opportunities in various sectors, including:
• Manufacturing
• Automation
• Food Industry
• Healthcare
• Rehabilitation
• Space Exploration
• Security

Other:

• The program is available full-time or part-time, with varying durations based on the chosen degree:
• Master by Research (MSc): 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil): 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): 3 years full-time, 5 years part-time
• International students require IELTS 6.5 or equivalent English Language Qualification.
• All students must attend an interview.
• International Students may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate.