6G Wireless Communications for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles in Challenging Environments

Future autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles will rely significantly on wireless connectivity to exchange information between other vehicles (V2V) and infrastructure (V2I). In urban areas in the developed world, this is likely to be straightforward due to the 6G wireless infrastructure that will be in place. This will be much more challenging elsewhere, for example, in rural and extreme-rural environments, and underserved areas.

This project will investigate how different forms of aerial platform (high altitude platforms, long-endurance tethered platforms, and drones) can be used to provide edge of network like connectivity, and how ad hoc V2V communications can be better exploited in such environments. Specifically, the project will examine how such systems can deliver ultra-reliable low latency (URLLC) services over wide areas using novel antenna beamforming, radio resource management, and networking strategies. A mixture of simulation and analysis will be used to assess performance. Stochastic Geometry, Game theory and Markov analysis will be particularly important analytical tools.

The project will benefit from the University’s new Institute for Safe Autonomy, which is a £35M investment to establish a UK leading institute in the area, exploiting wide ranging industrial connections and state-of-the art experimental facilities.

Entry requirements:

Candidates should have (or expect to obtain) a minimum of a UK upper second class honours degree (2.1) or equivalent in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics or a closely related subject.

How to apply:

Applicants should apply via the University’s online application system at https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/apply/. Please read the application guidance first so that you understand the various steps in the application process.