Multiple robotic assembly and operation for infrastructure construction

This project will investigate and develop robot motion planning techniques and robot-to-robot collaboration for structural assembly in infrastructure construction. Infrastructure construction is one of the largest industry sectors in many countries around the world. This industry sector contributes not only over 100 billion pounds per annum to the UK economy, but also the required infrastructures to ensure the efficient operation of the society and the high standard of living. The current practice in infrastructure industry primarily relies on manual handling and faces the challenges of increasing labour costs and labour shortage, which limit the productivity and cost-efficiency of the infrastructure construction. Since construction activities are relatively repetitive, robotic construction based on advanced digital and robot technologies offers the opportunity to transform the conventional practice into automatic construction, which is more productive, accurate and economical. Besides, the robotic construction can also effectively eliminate the risks of accidents and improve the safety management. <br /> To realise the robotic assembly for automatic infrastructure construction, you will conduct research to develop effective motion planning with the assistance of digital technologies for robotic assembly of infrastructure elements. The research involves algorithm developments and the validation through experimenting with the robots and digital tools in the laboratory. Furthermore, the robot-to-robot collaboration techniques will also be developed to realise the more effective and efficient assembly using multiple robots compared with the construction that uses only one robot at a time. A programmed model or platform will be developed and validated in experiments to allow the multi-robot assembly for typical structural elements used in infrastructures. <br /> For the project, you are expected to have good knowledge in Civil or Mechanical Engineering, be open to advanced modelling, digital and AI technologies and interested in research using robots. You will also benefit from the research resources, such as the Robotic@Leeds laboratory and various fund and award schemes, at the University of Leeds.

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Civil Engineering FT,</strong></em>&nbsp;in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Multiple robotic assembly and operation for infrastructure construction</strong></em> as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/10415/dr-han-fang">Dr Han Fang</a> as your proposed supervisor&nbsp;and in the finance section, please state clearly&nbsp;<em><strong>the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored</strong></em>.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. &nbsp;Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 3 April 2024 for Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship or&nbsp;8 April 2024 for Leeds Doctoral Scholarship:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong>&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2022">Leeds Doctoral Scholarships</a> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> are available to UK applicants (open from October 2023). <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Non-UK</strong> &ndash;The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a>&nbsp;is available to nationals of China (now closed for 2024/25 entry). The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a>&nbsp;is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Important:&nbsp;</strong> Any costs associated with your arrival at the University of Leeds to start your PhD including flights, immigration health surcharge/medical insurance and Visa costs are <strong>not</strong> covered under these studentships.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information related to the project, please contact Dr. Han Fang by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:H.Fang1@leeds.ac.uk">H.Fang1@leeds.ac.uk</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>