AI-based Multi-Sensor Data Fusion for Autonomous and Robust Proximity Navigation

Project:

Vision-based proximity navigation is an essential technology for space debris removal, in-orbit servicing or space missions around asteroids. It requires high autonomy and robustness due to the challenging for challenging situations of bad illumination, the large uncertainties and if the object is unknown, etc. It’s very difficult to manage with data from a single sensor or from a single data processing technique. This PhD research aims to fuse data from multiple onboard sensors to compensate for each sensor’s limitations and potential data failure, to generate highly robust and autonomous navigation solutions for different range scenarios. Specifically, we will focus on pose estimation including both position and attitude. The multispectral imaging cameras such as Visible, Near and Thermal Infrared ones, and LiDAR will be the mainly considered sensors for the fusion technique. We need to explore the proper fusion framework in terms of fusion level, tailored image processing algorithms, and weights allocations of different sensors, to generate accurate and robust pose estimation. In particular, we will couple related image processing techniques with cutting edge machine learning techniques, to improve the autonomous level of the developed algorithms.

Eligibility:

The candidate should hold a first class or at least a 2.1 (second class upper honours), or equivalent in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical adn Electronic Engineering, with good knowledge of Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, programming.

To be considered, please send your CV, motivation letter and transcripts, to [Email Address Removed], no later than 1^st July 2023.

 Funding:

This is a 3.5 years PhD position fully funded for UK students and partially funded for EU/international students. There is a high probability that European Space Agency (ESA) will co-fund this PhD project.

Please note the scholarship will cover Home tuition fees only, and therefore EU and International applicants will require to cover the difference between Home and International fees.

The scholarship will also provide a stipend, paid monthly (for 2023/34 academic year, 1 October to 30 September the total stipend is £18,622, subject to increase each academic year).

Proposed Commencement: 1 October 2023