Autonomous swarms inspired by real world applications

Swarm algorithms offer a number of promises in the form of multiple agents working together to achieve a task, robustness against disturbances and multiple sensing agents to digitise the environment to mention a few. However, developing algorithms to harness their potential on a variety of platforms and for various applications is still a research subject.

Aim: Inspired by industrial and real world applications, this PhD project will research the development of control and actuation algorithms, sensing and processing techniques as well as frameworks for use-case driven applications in various sectors including manufacturing.

The objectives of the PhD would include:

1. Defining the requirements of an identified real world use case

2. Research and Development of novel multi-agent frameworks for controlling a swarm of robotic agents

3. Validate the developed framework on physical platforms. Platforms to be used in this research include Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Unmanned Ground Vehicles, Kilobots to mention a few.

4. Developing novel physical platforms as required by the use case.

This work will be carried out in collaboration with the renowned University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) including the AMRC’s £43 million state-of-the-art ‘Factory 2050’. 

This is a self-funded research project. We require applicants to have either an undergraduate honours degree (1st) or MSc (Merit or Distinction) in a relevant science or engineering subject from a reputable institution. Prospective candidates for this project should have a background in robotics, computing/engineering, programming and embedded systems. Full details of how to apply can be found at the following link: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/acse/research-degrees/applyphd