Multiple robotic assembly and operation for infrastructure construction

Summary

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.
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.
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.

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.