AI Driven Sensor Enabled Automated Adaptive Welding

About the Project

This is a unique 42-month fully funded PhD opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing by researching and developing sensor-driven and AI robotic techniques to streamline the welding process and achieve first-time-right welding for challenging marine configurations.

Specifically, the Industrial PhD will focus on the challenging field of manufacturing, developing AI and sensor-enabled robotic advancements to automate the welding process. The research will focus on the development of sophisticated algorithms for robotic path-planning algorithms free of collisions and singularities and automation of the welding process, facilitating adaptive control and the dynamic adaptation of welding paths to compensate for deviations. The research will take into account thermal phenomena and material behaviour, pushing the boundaries of process control, sensor design, and data interpretation in constrained and harsh environments.

Research Environment: The successful candidate will be based in the newly established £2.1M Sensor Enabled Automation & Control Hub (SEARCH) laboratory (link), collaborating with a team of over 40 researchers and PhD students. The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, industrial robotics, and welding technology. Nonetheless, the successful PhD candidate will benefit from the Industrial partner’s “in-kind” support through data provision and Industrial co-supervision for the 3.5-year period.

Beyond the technical research, the student will have access to industrial technical training courses, including LabVIEW Real-Time Programming, KUKA Advanced Robot Programming, and Ultrasonics. Additionally, the University’s Research Development Program (RDP) will support skill development in key areas such as presentations, conferences, and journal writing.

Funding Notes

This PhD offers full coverage of tuition fees for eligible Home/EU applicants, along with a competitive stipend - plus an attractive industrial top-up from the industrial partner and significant funds for equipment and travel throughout the project.

To be considered for this project, applicants must:

• Hold a UK BEng Honours or MEng degree (Upper Second-Class, 2:1, or above) in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical) or a related physics field.
• Be a UK or eligible EU national and meet the Research Council (RCUK) eligibility criteria.

Candidates with a strong preference for practical, industry-focused experimental research are highly desirable. Also, the candidate should have a passion for programming and engagement with multi-disciplinary projects.