Sensor-Driven Robotic Automation for High-Integrity Welding in Marine Structures

This is a unique 42-month fully funded PhD opportunity to research and develop sensor-driven robotic automation techniques to achieve high-integrity, first-time-right welding in challenging marine and energy industries.

Specifically, the PhD will focus on sensor-enabled path planning and real-time control of small-reach robots, facilitating adaptive control and the dynamic adaption of welding paths before and after deposition. This research will take into account thermal phenomena and material behaviour, pushing the boundaries of process control, sensor design, and data interpretation in constrained and harsh environments.

Additionally, the project will investigate the generation of the kinematics of robots with an emphasis on developing new methods for adapting to unknown welding joint geometries. The research will also involve the adaption of weld bead paths (e.g., start, stop, work angle adjustment) to optimize weld deposition and component repair, aiming for maximum flexibility in industrial applications. The outcomes of this research will be directly implemented in the industrial marine activities of a leading FTSE 100 Engineering Company.

Research Environment: The successful candidate will be based in the newly established £2.1M Sensor Enabled Automation & Control Hub (SEARCH) laboratory (link), collaborating with a team of over 40 researchers and PhD students. The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, industrial robotics, and welding technology.

Beyond the technical research, the student will have access to industrial technical training courses, including LabVIEW Real-Time Programming, KUKA Advanced Robot Programming, and Ultrasonics. Additionally, the University’s Research Development Program (RDP) will support skill development in key areas such as presentations, conferences, and journal writing.

Funding and Support: This PhD offers full coverage of tuition fees for Home/EU applicants, along with a competitive stipend (plus an industrial top-up) and significant funds for equipment and travel throughout the project.

Eligibility Criteria: To be considered for this project, applicants must:

• Hold a UK BEng Honours or MEng degree (Upper Second-Class, 2:1, or above) in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical) or a related physics field.
• Be a UK or eligible EU national and meet the Research Council (RCUK) eligibility criteria.

Candidates with a strong preference for practical, industry-focused experimental research are highly desirable.

Please email Dr Charalampos Loukas (charalampos.loukas@strath.ac.uk) or Prof. Charles N. MacLeod (charles.macleod@strath.ac.uk) in the first instance, before applying.

The project is due to start as soon as possible and no later than 31 March 2025, preferably. We then accept the applications now and if we find a suitable candidate (following the interview), the vacancy will be closed for further applications.

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.