PhD Studentship: Autonomous Mobile Robotic Detection and Localisation of Gas Leaks within Industrial Facilities

Project Overview

• Project title: Autonomous mobile robotic detection and localisation of gas leaks within industrial facilities
• Supervisors: Dr Paul Wright & Dr Zhiqi Tang
• Cohort research challenge: Long-term autonomous monitoring and maintenance of assets
• Year 1 MSc Course: MSc Robotics
• Year 2 – 4 PhD Location: The University of Manchester

Abstract: Unintended gas emissions within industrial facilities can pose risks to personnel and infrastructure, due to the toxicity or flammability of the gases being released. Existing approaches to leak detection typically rely on gas detectors located in fixed positions, with subsequent localisation being carried out by humans using portable detection systems. This project will explore autonomous mobile robotic solutions, capable of both detection and localisation of emissions. The work will focus on hydrogen, which is increasingly important as a fuel in decarbonised energy systems but has a high leak propensity and wide flammability limits. Sensors will be mounted on one or more mobile robotic platforms and/or platform-mounted manipulator(s) to provide localised but mobile gas measurement capability. Novel robotic navigation techniques, developed within the project, will be used to search for above-ambient gas concentrations. If detected, the mobility of the robotic platform and/or its manipulator(s) will be used to trace the emission source, using a combination of sensor data, gas behaviour models, and robotic navigation techniques. The project can be tailored to the student’s interests through, e.g., 1) development of a more sophisticated gas sensing package or 2) situation-informed path-planning - considering reactive obstacle avoidance and ambient air flow.

About the RAINZ CDT

The EPSRC CDT in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Net Zero is a partnership between 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. The CDT’s research projects will focus on how RAS can be used for the inspection, maintenance and repair of new infrastructure in renewables and nuclear, and to support the decarbonization of existing maintenance and decommissioning of assets.

Funding:

This 4-year studentship covers tuition fees at Home student rate, a tax-free stipend, and a Research Training and Support Grant. As part of TechExpert, successful Home applicants receive an additional £10,000 annual stipend enhancement.

Funding for this project is provided by The University of Manchester.

Eligibility

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

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted through the RAINZ CDT website by 15 May 2026, where further information about the CDT is also available.  Informal enquiries can be made by emailing rainz@manchester.ac.uk.

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