Advances in Cognitive Robotics: Image Processing, Tactile Sensing, and Hyperspectral Systems

Summary

The cognitive robotics team applies cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced machine perception to solve critical operational challenges across modern manufacturing, robotics, and agri-food sectors. As industries increasingly rely on autonomous systems, there is a vital need for enhanced environmental understanding and dexterous manipulation.

Applicants may choose to focus on one of three embedded projects:

Project 1: Advanced Image Processing for Resilient Automation
This project develops robust computer vision architectures to process high-resolution visual data in real-time. It focuses on overcoming challenges in visually complex, dynamic environments (e.g., variable lighting, occlusion) to enable spatial mapping, and autonomous navigation in unstructured industrial settings.

Project 2: Novel Multi-Modal Sensing (Tactile and RGB-D)
Focused on human-robot parity in manipulation, this work fuses visual data (RGB-D) with advanced tactile sensor arrays. By creating a unified perception framework, it equips robotic end-effectors with a human-like sense of touch, allowing for the delicate, adaptive handling of fragile or irregularly shaped objects in dynamic environments.

Project 3: Hyperspectral Imaging for Enhanced Material Analysis
This project leverages hyperspectral sensors and deep learning to analyse material compositions far beyond the visible light spectrum. The research aims to deploy these systems for rapid, non-destructive quality control and classification, directly targeting applications in advanced manufacturing and precision agri-food sorting.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Applicants should hold, or expect to hold a First Class Honours Degree in a relevant subject area
• International applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to a distinction at Ulster
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Track record of peer reviewed publications
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD Scholarships are available for this project and will cover:

• Tuition fees.
• A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

To be eligible for these scholarships applicants must: be a UK or Irish national; or have pre-settled or settled status; or have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme i.e. September 2027.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year, or part-time equivalent, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

1. Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships
2. Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.