PhD Studentship: Multi-robot Cyber-physical Systems for Solar Farm Health Monitoring and Maintenance

This studentship is offered by the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Net Zero Centre (RAINZ) which is a partnership between three of the UKs leading universities (The University of Manchester, University of Glasgow and University of Oxford). 

Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) is an essential enabling technology for the Net Zero transition in the UK’s energy sector. However, significant technological and cultural barriers are limiting its effectiveness. Overcoming these barriers is a key target of this CDT.  The focus of the CDT’s research projects will be how RAS can be used for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of new infrastructure in renewables (wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, hydrogen) and nuclear (fission and fusion), and to support the decarbonization of existing maintenance and decommissioning of assets.

Year 1: You will spend the first year of the CDT at The University of Manchester undertaking taught MSc studies and research training. 

Years 2 – 4: You will move to your host institute (University of Manchester, University of Glasgow, or University of Oxford) to undertake your PhD research. 

About this Project  

Project Title: Multi-robot Cyber-physical Systems for Solar Farm Health Monitoring and Maintenance

Supervisors: Dr Euan McGookin & Dr Ahmad Taha

Year 1 MSc Course: MSc Communication and Signal Processing

Year 2 – 4 PhD Location: Glasgow University

Research Abstract: The focus of the proposed PhD study is the design and development of an inter-connected cyber-physical autonomous robotic system for monitoring, inspection, and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure, including, but not limited to:

• Design and development of an adaptable and scalable Cyber-physical system comprising interconnected multiple mobile robotic platforms.
• Identify connectivity requirements for ensuring reliable and seamless communication in managing a coordinated robot fleet.
• Connect across the robot-centric network to ensure high-fidelity synchronisation while performing required operational functions, e.g., within a typical Solar Farm configuration.
• Identify and perform low-level maintenance e.g. cleaning of the solar panels.
• Design the system to be sustainable in terms of operation and power requirements.

Applicants should have a First or strong Upper Second-class honours degree (2:1 with 65% average), or international equivalent, in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or Mathematics with evidence of programming experience.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of RAINZ CDT and is at the heart of all of our activities. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, neurodiversity, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, and transgender status.  We also support applications from mature students who are returning from a career break. 

Informal enquiries can be made by emailing rainz@manchester.ac.uk. 

Funding notes: Funding for this RAINZ CDT studentship is provided by the EPSRC and an industrial partner. The successful candidate will receive an annual stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26) and tuition will be paid at the home rate.

This project is subject to funding being confirmed by the industry partner.

Application Deadline: 17:00, 11^th July 2025. 

Start Date: 22^nd September 2025 

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