PhD Studentship: AI-empowered Zero Touch Wireless Network Management for Reliable and Efficient Autonomous Robot Fleets

PhD Studentship available in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and AI for Net Zero (RAINZ)

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: AI-empowered Zero Touch Wireless Network Management for Reliable and Efficient Autonomous Robot Fleets

Supervisors: Dr Jianglin Lan& Dr Ahmed Zoha

Year 1 MSc Course: MSc Communication and Signal Processing

Year 2 – 4 PhD Location: Glasgow University

Research Abstract: This PhD research aims to develop an AI-driven Zero Touch Management (ZTM) system for wireless networks coupled with an intelligent coordination strategy, designed specifically to meet the unique needs of autonomous robot fleets. By harnessing the power of AI/ML and software-defined networking (SDN), and distributed learning methodologies, the research will focus on creating self-configuring, self-optimizing, and self-healing mechanisms for real-time network management and robot coordination. The project will address key factors such as seamless connectivity, low latency, and enhanced reliability, accounting for heterogeneous mobility, data traffic patterns, communication resources, and the real-time operational demands of robot fleets.

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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