Organisation/Company: Swansea University
Research Field: Engineering » Mechanical Engineering
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions: PhD Positions
Country: United Kingdom
Application Deadline: 13 Jan 2025 - 11:59 (Europe/London)
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 35
Offer Starting Date: 1 Oct 2025
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
This project explores advanced Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) methodologies for robot control and learning, leveraging state-of-the-art AI techniques to enhance human-robot collaboration. Traditional autonomous robot systems often lack flexibility in dynamic and complex environments, which limits their adaptability and decision-making capabilities. By incorporating HITL mechanisms, this project aims to enable robots to learn from human feedback and improve their performance in real-time.
The project focuses on developing AI-driven algorithms that allow robots to interpret human input, adapt to new tasks, and refine their actions through continuous learning. Key AI methods include reinforcement learning, neural networks, and computer vision for recognizing human gestures, feedback, and preferences. This approach has broad applications, from industrial automation to assistive robotics, where real-time adaptability and safety are critical. The goal is to create robots that act autonomously yet are responsive to human guidance, leading to more efficient, reliable, and safe human-robot interactions in various real-world settings.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must hold a UK Bachelor degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline, or an overseas Bachelor degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline – see country specific qualifications.
IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each comp.) or Swansea University recognised equivalent.
Additional Information
The studentship covers tuition fees and an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).
Funds for other expenses (e.g. conferences, fieldwork): £1,000 for the duration of the funded period.
EPSRC DTP studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students; once the limit has been reached, we are unable to make offers to international students.
We are still accepting applications from international applicants.
International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.
ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process. Successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with a scholarship course offer.
Selection Process
Please see our website for more information.
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