PhD Studentship: MTC Sponsored PhD Studentship in Robotics & Automation for Remanufacturing

Remanufacturing is a comprehensive and rigorous industrial process by which previously used products, often referred to as "cores," are returned to like-new or better condition. Unlike simple recycling or repair, remanufacturing involves completely disassembling the product, cleaning and refurbishing each component, replacing worn-out or outdated parts, and then reassembling the product to ensure it meets the same, if not higher, quality and performance standards as when it was originally manufactured. This process not only extends the product's lifespan but also conserves resources, reduces waste, and minimises the environmental impact associated with the production of new goods. As industries and consumers become more conscious of sustainable practices, remanufacturing is increasingly recognised as a key solution to achieve both economic and ecological objectives.

This project aims at developing robotics and automation technologies to improve the productivity and efficiency of remanufacturing processes, including but not limited to 1) disassembly, 2) end-of-life assessment and sorting, and 3) repair and recondition. In particular, this project will investigate techniques to scale-up techniques to allow a wider adoption of robots and automation technologies in remanufacturing. This may focus on one of the following topics.

1. Creating adaptive and programmable actuators and compensators that can deal with high level uncertainties in remanufacturing
2. Creating novel measurement and sensing tools to enhance robotic navigation and manipulation
3. Facilitating the transfer and augmentation of robotic skills

Who we are looking for:

• A first or upper-second-class degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Electronic and Electrical/Control Engineering.
• A driven individual with an inquisitive mind.
• Ability to produce high-quality presentations and written reports.

The MTC is an independent Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) aimed at de-risking and accelerating the adoption of disruptive technologies within the UK manufacturing sphere. Supported by the UK government, the MTC works closely with industrial partners and other research organisations to deliver world leading innovation across all levels of the UK’s industrial landscape, from SMEs and start-ups to OEMs and large-scale global manufacturers.

As a researcher at Birmingham, you will benefit from working in an environment in which excellence and innovation are made possible by brilliant people, outstanding facilities and strong collaborative networks. You will be joining a global top 100 university tackling some of the biggest issues the world faces, making a difference to people's lives on a daily basis. Within this nurturing academic community, you will be able to contribute to shaping and changing lives. The University Graduate School supports Birmingham’s postgraduate researcher (PGR) and postgraduate taught (PGT) community.

Contact
Informal inquiries, with a detailed CV and academic transcripts, should be sent to Dr Yongjing Wang (y.wang@bham.ac.uk) and Mr Karol Janik (Karol.Janik@the-mtc.org).

Funding notes:
This project is an exciting opportunity to undertake industrially linked research in partnership with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). It is based within University of Birmingham at the Department of Mechanical Engineering. This is 3-year fully funded studentship is only open to UK home students. The successful applicant will receive a generous tax-free annual stipend of £26,658 plus payment of their full-time home tuition fees. Due to funding restrictions this PhD position is only available to UK nationals. As this position is sponsored by the MTC, any successful candidate would need to pass the sponsors own security checks prior to the commencement of the PhD.

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