Developing solution for robot in an uncertain environment

About the Project

The School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment (SCEBE), at Edinburgh Napier University is proud to be contributing to the robotic and automation research and knowledge transfer over the years. With the new investment on several robotic systems, the research team here is ready and looking forward to the next chapter of research adventure.

The 4th Industrial revolution technologies have enabled the distribution of intelligence over many devices including various forms of programmable controllers, smart sensors and data analytic application. The increasing demand on robotic and control systems in manufacturing process have inspired the use of robotic system in external environment for data gathering and field applications. Often the in the field applications, the environment parameters are unpredictable and the adaptation of the robotic system to such conditions is paramount.

This PhD work will explore current and evolving technologies and solution to investigate the vulnerability of the robotic systems in an uncertain environment and propose solutions to aid the continuing operation of the system. The work will be based on our quadruped robotic systems which will be linked to the 3D lidar sensor for the mapping of surrounding, where data gathered will be fed to the system to optimise the robotic system operation. The ideal candidate will possess some knowledge of quadruped robot operation, sensor instrumentation and programming.

Academic qualifications

First degree (minimum 2:1 classification) in Robotic, Mechatronic, Electrical & Electronics

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Subject knowledge:

• Mobile Quadruped robot operation
• Control system design
• Microcontroller application
• Sensor measurement and instrumentation
• Programming

Essential attributes:

• Mathematical modelling
• Practical implementation
• Microcontroller application with programming
• Lidar system

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (download)
• Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about
  1. Background and motivation of the project. The motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
  2. Research questions or objectives.
  3. Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
  4. List of references.
• The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.
• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

To be considered, the application must use

• the advertised title as project title

For informal enquiries about this PhD project, please contact k.goh@napier.ac.uk

PhD Start Date: October 2026

Funding Notes

International applicants should note that visa application costs and the NHS health surcharge are additional costs to be taken into consideration, and successful applicants will need to cover these expenses themselves.