Robot Learning for Robust Control

Robots will be part of our everyday life. They will support us in tasks that are complex, dangerous or repetitive. In the last decade, we have seen how robots can solve complex tasks if appropriately trained. These advances make them closer to the goal of deploying them alongside humans. However, these robots are still not robust enough for us to trust them. Our robots must be robust to external perturbations and adaptive to changes in the environment and their configuration, e.g., physical damage. In this project, you will study state-of-the-art robotic learning paradigms like machine learning or evolutionary computation and develop novel algorithms for robust and adaptive control. The robots controlled with these algorithms will solve complex tasks like navigation on rough terrain or manipulating objects while remaining robust and adapting to unforeseen scenarios. You will work with our newly acquired quadrupeds, hexapods and robotic arms. You will have access to our new High-Performance Computer facilities for computationally demanding learning algorithms. The project includes publishing in high-tier conferences and journals. Also, there will be opportunities for the student to attend summer/winter schools in other universities. 

Academic qualifications

A first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, or equivalent achievements in Computer sciences, engineering, mathematics or physics.

English language requirement

If your first language is not English, comply with the University requirements for research degree programmes in terms of English language.

Application process

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor, Dr Simon Smith (S.Smith2@napier.ac.uk) to discuss the content of the project and the fit with their qualifications and skills before preparing an application. 

Contact details

Should you need more information, please email SCEBERDL@napier.ac.uk.

The application must include: 

Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about

• Background and motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
• Research questions or
• Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
• List of references

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Recent and complete curriculum vitae. The curriculum must include a declaration regarding the English language qualifications of the candidate.
• Supporting documents will have to be submitted by successful candidates.
• Two academic references (but if you have been out of education for more than three years, you may submit one academic and one professional reference), on the form can be downloaded here.

Applications can be submitted here. To be considered, the application must use:

• “SCEBE1124” as project code.
• the advertised title as project title 

Download a copy of the project details here