Artificial intelligence-based navigation aid for indoor and low-light environments

Cambridge Campus
Full-time for 3-years, commencing 17th September 2018
Bursary of £14,777 per annum and a full fee-waiver for UK/EU tuition fees
Closing date: Sunday 29th July 2018
Interview date: Early August

About Anglia Ruskin University:

Anglia Ruskin is a vibrant workplace and our University is gaining prominence both nationally and internationally. We have ambitious plans for the future and we are determined that our students and staff will realise their full potential. Our main campuses in the cities of Cambridge, Chelmsford and Peterborough have been transformed with major capital investment. With an annual turnover of £200m, we are a major force for higher education and one of the largest universities in the East of England.

About the position:

Navigation through unfamiliar environments – especially when these are GPS-prohibited or in low-light -- is a longstanding problem in assisted living for people with mobility or visual impairment. A possible solution to this challenge is the use of artificial intelligence to extract spatial information from a range of complementary sensors and interpret it into a single map and position of the agent. As part of this PhD project, you will have the opportunity to explore machine learning techniques and apply them to data acquired with low cost sensing devices (acoustic, RF, motion) in order to develop the concept of an autonomous navigation system based on non-visual cues. In particular, questions regarding the computational cost and real-time operation of the system, as well as accuracy and robustness to environmental noise, will be considered. The project will also explore the applications of the developed algorithm for mobility aids for the visually impaired and suitable interfaces with such users, via haptic or voice interactions.

The successful applicant will benefit from strong supervisory and peer support and will be located within the Intelligent Systems and Medical Informatics (MI) research group, whose work is in those areas of computer science and informatics that use artificial intelligence to address a wide range of problems with a strong focus on health applications. The supervisory team will be led by Dr Silvia Cirstea and will benefit from the support of other colleagues in the research group, offering expertise in machine learning, signal processing, numerical modelling, gamification and assisted living.

About the Studentship:

A three-year studentship is offered with the intention for this to start in September 2018 and will provide a tax-free stipend of £14,777 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. Training for teaching will also be provided and there will be opportunities to put this into practice. Due to funding availability, this studentship covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate only, but the position is open for suitable international candidates who can cover themselves the difference between international and UK/EU tuition fees from other sources.

Qualifications:

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, a first Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as Computer Science, Machine Learning or Electronics from a UK /EU or international higher education institution. A 2:1 degree qualification or equivalent would be a minimum requirement. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (or equivalent) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.

In addition to satisfying basic entry criteria, the University will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful and timely completion.

How to apply:

To apply, please complete a research degree application form available from the following website:
https://www.anglia.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/computer-science-research

Please ensure the following is clearly stated under the title ‘Outline of your proposed research’ on page 4 of the application form: ‘Department of Computing and Technology Studentship: Artificial intelligence-based navigation aid for indoor and low-light environments’. Within this section, applicants must include a 500 word outline of the proposed research in relation to the research title.

Your application must also include your CV and a covering letter addressing your suitability for the position and the project.

Interested applicants should direct initial enquiries about the project to the principal supervisor Dr Silvia Cirstea via email:
[Email Address Removed]. For enquiries regarding the process and eligibility please contact [Email Address Removed].

Please submit your completed application form with supporting documentation as follows:
Email: [Email Address Removed]
Post: Postgraduate Research Admissions, Doctoral School, Anglia Ruskin University, Bishop Hall Lane, Chelmsford, CM1 1SQ.
Interviews are scheduled to take place in early August.

We value diversity at Anglia Ruskin University and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Closing Date – Sunday 29th July 2018