Embodied Quantum Information Flow for Collective Intelligence in Robotic Swarms

About the Project

Supervisors:

Dr Mohammad Soorati m.soorati@soton.ac.uk

This project, within the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering at the University of Southampton (https://qte.ac.uk), carries a UKRI TechExpert enhanced annual stipend around £31k for UK students. While researching the project outlined below you will also receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.

Project Description:

You will explore how principles of quantum information flow and probabilistic entanglement can enhance coordination, adaptability, and resilience in multi-robot systems. The project bridges quantum technologies and embodied swarm intelligence, aiming to create a new class of collective robotic systems that think and act beyond classical limits.

As part of this project, you will investigate how physical principles of quantum information transfer can be embedded into swarm robotic systems to achieve new forms of distributed intelligence. Unlike existing “quantum-inspired” algorithms that mimic quantum computation mathematically, this work explores how quantum communication, sensing, and probabilistic entanglement can underpin real swarm interactions in the physical world. The project will design a hybrid architecture combining classical control loops with a quantum-inspired information layer, implemented in simulation and on a testbed in indoor (small wheeled or dog-like legged robots) and outdoor environments (UAVs). By simulating partial entanglement using probabilistic coupling and adaptive communication channels, we will study how information correlation affects resilience, adaptability, and task completion in complex environments. Expected outcomes include (1) a theoretical framework for embodied quantum information flow in multi-robot systems, (2) an experimental demonstration of swarming behaviour (e.g., aggregation or flocking) emerging from probabilistic coupling, and (3) design principles for integrating quantum-inspired reasoning into physically deployed robots. This work moves beyond metaphor, proposing a new computational-physical synthesis of quantum and swarm intelligence that could inform future hybrid quantum-robotic systems. We expect you to have a strong background in mathematics and high proficiency in at least one programming language. Experience or prior knowledge in quantum technology is an advantage. Relevant Papers: [1] [2] [3]

For more information, please contact the supervisor: Dr Mohammad Soorati m.soorati@soton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements:

Undergraduate degree (at least UK 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent).

Closing Date:

31 July 2026. International applicants must apply before 31 March 2026.

Funding:

See funding notes below.

How to Apply:

Please apply via the online portal and select:

• Programme type: Research
• Academic year: 2026/27
• Full time or part time
• Faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences

Search for programme PhD Quantum Tech Eng

Please add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.

Applications should include:

• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts/ certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)