Supervisors: Prof Hujun Yin & Dr Xiaoxiao Cheng This studentship is offered by the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Net Zero Centre for Doctoral Training (RAINZ CDT) which is a partnership between three of the UKs leading universities ( University of Manchester, University of Glasgow and University of Oxford ). Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) is an essential enabling technology for the Net Zero transition in the UK’s energy sector. However, significant technological and cultural barriers are limiting its effectiveness. Overcoming these barriers is a key target of this CDT. The focus of the CDT’s research projects will be how RAS can be used for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of new infrastructure in renewables (wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, hydrogen) and nuclear (fission and fusion), and to support the decarbonization of existing maintenance and decommissioning of assets. Year 1: You will spend the first year of the CDT at the University of Manchester undertaking taught MSc studies and research training. Years 2 – 4: You will move to your host institute (University of Manchester, University of Glasgow, or University of Oxford) to undertake your PhD research. About this project Year 1 MSc Course: MSc Robotics Year 2 – 4 PhD Location: University of Manchester Research Abstract: To support high levels of autonomous operations, robotics system require to maintain a spatial representation combined with sensor data and prior knowledge. Existing map build methods, such as SLAM, struggle to both maintain large scale environment representations. This is further challenged when such computation is required to be processed at the edge on-board small scale robotic systems with constrained computational resources. This project will explore augmenting latest generation computer vision techniques with novel scene representation methods that combine visual, geometric and semantic representations. Applicants should have a First or strong Upper Second-class honours degree (2:1 with 65% average), or international equivalent, in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or Mathematics with evidence of programming experience. Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of RAINZ CDT and is at the heart of all of our activities. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, neurodiversity, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, and transgender status. We also support applications from mature students who are returning from a career break. Applications should be made through the RAINZ CDT website: www.rainz-cdt.ac.uk, where you can also find further information about the CDT. Informal enquiries can be made by emailing rainzmanchester.ac.uk. The application deadline is 31 st January 2025. The studentship covers full tuition fees at Home student rate and a maintenance grant for 4 years, starting at the UKRI minimum of £19,237 pa which may increase with indexation each year. International applicants are welcome, although only Home student rates will be funded. The difference between International student rates and Home student rates needs to be covered through alternative funding sources, and we encourage all international applicants to consider this when applying. Funding for this RAINZ studentship is provided by EPSRC and BAE Systems. This project is subject to funding being confirmed by the industry partner. Start Date: 22 nd September 2025 £19,237 - please see advert