PhD in Intelligent Safe Environments for Robotic and Autonomous Systems in the Nuclear Industry

Background

The nuclear industry is increasingly seeking to deploy robotic and autonomous systems were possible to reduce worker exposure to hazardous environments, improve productivity and enhance operational resilience. Whilst significant progress has been made in remote operations, a major barrier is the ability for robots and operators to work collaboratively within the same safety envelope.

Current safety approaches generally require physical segregation, exclusion zones or reduced robot operating modes, with, in some cases, complete removal of personnel. This can limit the potential benefits that could be realised with autonomy and prevents effective human-robot coexistence in complex nuclear operations.

The PhD project is aimed at developing technologies, methodologies and assurance frameworks to enable humans and robotic systems to operate safely, efficiently and collaboratively within a shared environment.

Vision

To create a nuclear working environment in which robotic systems and operators can safely coexist and collaborate within the same safety envelope, dynamically adapting to changing conditions whilst maintaining demonstrable safety and regulatory compliance.

Research Challenge

There are some fundamental challenges that need to be considered as part of this work:

• Human behaviour is unpredictable.
• Nuclear environments are dynamic.
• Safety regulations ensure operators must face minimal risk with predictable and repeatable operations.
• Autonomous systems need to be predictable and verifiable.
• Regulatory acceptance requires demonstrable evidence of safety performance.
• The complex design of nuclear facilities make wireless communications difficult.

Expected Outcomes

The PhD aims to deliver:

• Novel technologies enabling safe human-robot collaboration
• New safety and assurance methodologies for nuclear robotics
• Frameworks for supporting regulatory acceptance
• Demonstrations operating within representative nuclear environments
• Enhanced workforce safety and reduced radiological exposure for operators
• Increased operational efficiency across nuclear decommissioning, waste management, maintenance and future nuclear facilities

Strategic Impact

The outcomes of the PhD will support the nuclear industry transition from segregated robotic operations towards integrated human-robot teams, establishing the technological and regulatory foundations for the next generation of intelligent nuclear workplaces.

Funding notes:

This position is open to UK fee payers AND international students, and the funding will cover all tuition fees and also provide a stipend to cover living costs during the student’s studies.

The successful applicants should have a first degree classified at 1st (or equivalent) in Robotics and AI or a closely related subject. An MSc in robotics or a related area is also highly desirable.

If you are interested in this position, email Dr Steve Davis (s.davis.2@bham.ac.uk) including a CV and a brief (half page) description of the thematic area(s) you would like to focus on and how it is related to your background and experience.

Do not apply though the University admissions system until instructed to by Dr. Davis.

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