Dr M Dragone
Applications accepted all year round
About the Project
This PhD project will investigate how autonomous and interactive robotic systems (RAIS) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies can work together to help to address the national priority of caring for the elderly and the steeply rising costs and strain of healthcare provision and services. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of innovative, user-friendly, interactive and modular IoT-Robotic systems that are able to understand and operate effectively and flexibly in people’s homes, to look after the safety and comfort of their users and assist them in their daily lives, while also learning to smoothly adapt to their constantly evolving needs. These features can greatly simplify the design and customization of engaging and cost-effective systems while benefiting from technological trends to promote their adoption as part of personalised and connected social care practices that link homes with assisted care and health services.
The student will be supervised by Dr. Mauro Dragone of the Institute of Sensors, Signals, and Systems (ISSS) based at EPS at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Centre for Robotics. The Centre harnesses the potential of 30 world leading investigators from 12 cross disciplinary research groups and institutes across Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh. The research and training focus is on the broad classes of physical and cognitive interactions between robots, people, environments and autonomous systems.
The specific research will avail of a new laboratory which participates with an international network of “home lab” test-bed facilities. The laboratory is a 60 square meter, fully sensorised smart robotic space equipped with state of the art domestic robots and smart home technology and with links to deep-learning and other computing resources. It provides a ‘Living Lab’ home environment where roboticists and computer scientists, and also usability and health experts, psychologists, and sociologists, can work alongside people with assisted living needs and those supporting them, to co-design and test innovative solutions for healthy ageing and assisted living.
Funding Notes
The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) at Heriot-Watt University is offering full fees and stipend for a 3 year fully-funded PhD studentship to UK/EU applicants on Internet of Robotic Things for Connected Social Care. The successful candidate is expected to hold a master or 1st class honours degree in robotics, computer science or a relevant discipline. Previous experience and knowledge in human-robot interaction and artificial intelligence would be desirable. Good interpersonal skills, communication, and collaboration capabilities will be an asset.
References
Applications should be made online at https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/apply/uk/postgraduate.htm
Applications will be accepted up to the point of recruiting a suitable candidate.
Potential candidates are encouraged to send an inquiry email to Dr. Mauro Dragone (m.dragone@hw.ac.uk) if they wish to find out more about the position and discuss project ideas before applying.
Required Documents: Completed online application form, CV, transcripts, 2 reference letters, and a cover letter to briefly state research interests and motivation.
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