Rolls-Royce Sponsored PhD Scholarship: Computer Vision and Robot Control for Performing On-wing Repair of Aero-engines

Applicants are invited to undertake 3 years PhD programme in partnership with industry to address key challenges in on-platform manufacturing engineering. The successful candidate will be based at The Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology at University of Nottingham.

This project is in relation to the technical needs of Rolls-Royce to develop smart and robotic solutions to enable in-situ/on-wing repair and maintenance of gas turbine engines.

At the Rolls-Royce UTC at University of Nottingham we have developed robotic systems capable to navigate into crammed/hazardous environments and perform inspection and active operations such as machining. This is driven by the need to complete repair tasks without disassembly of industrial installations. We developed a series of continuum robots in both short and long versions.

At the Rolls-Royce UTC we are developing the next generation of continuum robots and other robotic solutions to perform tasks within restrictive environments.

This project builds on these research/industrial successes and proposes computer vison and control solutions for automated robotic systems capable to be tele-operated using smart human-machine interfaces.

This is an exciting PhD project that has a combination of academic and industrial challenges which will enhance the student’s ability to tackle complex intellectual and practical aspects of computer vision and robotics.

We are seeking talented candidates with:

• First or upper second class degree in Robotics/Computer Science/Cybernetics/Mechatronics/Mechanical or related scientific discipline
• First rate analytical and numerical skills, with a well-rounded academic background
• Demonstrated ability to develop precision mechatronics system and algorithm
• Ability to develop kinematic and/or dynamic analysis of mechanical/robotic systems
• Ability to implement control and kinematics with hardware-in-the–loop
• Background with relevant packages, (MATLAB, ROS/ OpenCV/ python, LabVIEW/C languages)
• A driven, professional and self-dependent work attitude is essential
• Experience of working within industry will be an advantage
• The ability to produce high quality presentations and written reports

This is an excellent opportunity to work on a novel robotic system with strong links to industrial applications and key skills and knowledge in preparation for a high-impact, high-technology research or industrial career.

Funding Notes

The scholarship on offer comprises a tax-free stipend of over £15,000 a year; tuition fees paid and a generous study package.

For PhD students wishing to pursue an academic career, the opportunity to participate in teaching activities will be sought.

Interested in this studentship? Applications with a CV, cover letter and academic transcripts should be sent to Prof Dragos Axinte. Suitable applicants will be interviewed, and if successful, invited to make a formal application. Do not submit your application via the My Nottingham platform without having contacted our team first.

Please contact the UTC director, Prof Dragos Axinte, for further information.

Email: dragos.axinte@nottingham.ac.uk, Tel: 011595 14117

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and notified.

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