Rolls-Royce sponsored PhD scholarship – Computer vision and robot control for performing on-wing repair of aero-engines

Applicants are invited to undertake a 3 ½ year PhD programme in partnership with industry to address key challenges in on-platform manufacturing engineering. The successful candidate will be based at The Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology at University of Nottingham.
We are seeking applicants to start on a Rolls-Royce project before October 2019.
This project is in relation to the technical needs of Rolls-Royce to develop smart and robotic solutions to enable in-situ/on-wing repair and maintenance of gas turbine engines.
At the Rolls-Royce UTC we have developed robotic systems capable to navigate into crammed/hazardous environments, and perform inspection and active operations such as machining. This is driven by the need to complete repair tasks without disassembly of industrial installations. We developed a series of continuum robots in both short (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYOj0--0b0s) and long (https://mediaspace.nottingham.ac.uk/media/SeRArm/1_s5kneg0w) versions.
At the Rolls-Royce UTC we are developing the next generation of continuum robots and other robotic solutions to perform tasks within restrictive environments (https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2018/17-07-2018-rr-demonstrates-the-future-%20of-engine-maintenance-with-robots.aspx).
This project builds on these research/industrial successes and proposes computer vison and control solutions for automated robotic systems capable to be tele-operated using smart human-machine interfaces.
This exciting PhD opportunity has a combination of academic and industrial challenges. Which will enhance the student’s ability to tackle complex intellectual and practical aspects of computer vision and robotics.
We are seeking talented candidates with:
• First or upper second class degree in Robotics/Computer Science/Cybernetics/Mechatronics/Mechanical or related scientific discipline.
• First rate analytical and numerical skills, with a well-rounded academic background.
• Demonstrated ability to develop precision mechatronics system and algorithm
• Ability to develop kinematic and/or dynamic analysis of mechanical/robotic systems
• Ability to implement control and kinematics with hardware-in-the–loop
• Background with relevant packages, (MATLAB, ROS/ OpenCV/ python, LabVIEW/C languages)
• A driven, professional and self-dependent work attitude is essential
• Experience of working within industry will be an advantage
• The ability to produce high quality presentations and written reports

This is an excellent opportunity to work on a novel robotic system with strong links to industrial applications and key skills and knowledge in preparation for a high-impact, high-technology research or industrial career.