Securing Distributed Robotic Architectures: An Exploration into ROS Vulnerabilities and Beyond [Self Funded Students Only]

The rapid increase of adoption of robotics across a plethora of industries calls for rigorous scrutiny into the cybersecurity of these systems. Particularly, robotic systems, such as the Robot Operating System (ROS), which is a set of software frameworks for robot software development, have introduced several vulnerabilities. These can lead to unpredictable, potentially harmful robot behaviour and data theft, posing threats to infrastructure, safety, and privacy. Such vulnerabilities can also allow breaches into larger interconnected systems, leading to widespread disruptions and a significant loss of trust in robotics systems. As such, this PhD project will analyse the security vulnerabilities associated with distributed robotic architectures, using the Robot Operating System (ROS) as a primary case study. The student will conduct a thorough literature review, examining existing academic and technical reports to understand the current state of ROS vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies. Building upon this knowledge base, the student will develop a proof-of-concept system, employing either simulation or real-world applications, to demonstrate these vulnerabilities and their potential impacts. This system will also serve as a platform to test and propose effective security mechanisms. 

Contact for information on the project: [Email Address Removed]

Keywords: Cyber Security / Robotics / Internet Of Things / Computer Networks  

Academic criteria:  

A 2:1 Honours undergraduate degree or a master's degree, in computing or a related subject.  Applicants with appropriate professional experience are also considered. Degree-level mathematics (or equivalent) is required for research in some project areas. 

Applicants for whom English is not their first language must demonstrate proficiency by obtaining an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each skills component. 

This application is open to students worldwide. 

How to apply: 

Please contact the supervisors of the project prior to submitting your application to discuss and develop an individual research proposal that builds on the information provided in this advert. Once you have developed the proposal with support from the supervisors, please submit your application following the instructions provided below 

This project is accepting applications all year round, for self-funded candidates via https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/computer-science-and-informatics  

In order to be considered candidates must submit the following information:  

• Supporting statement  
• CV  
• In the ‘Research Proposal’ section of the application enter the name of the project you are applying to and upload your Individual research proposal, as mentioned above in BOLD 
• Qualification certificates and Transcripts 
• Proof of Funding. For example, a letter of intent from your sponsor or confirmation of self-funded status (In the funding field of your application, insert Self-Funded) 
• References x 2  
• Proof of English language (if applicable) 

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact [Email Address Removed]