Advanced AI and Cognitive Robotics for Sustainable and Resilient Industries

Summary

This cognitive robotics team applies cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cognitive robotics to solve critical operational and environmental challenges across modern agriculture and manufacturing. As industries shift toward sustainable, human-centric, and highly resilient practices, there is a vital need for autonomous systems capable of complex decision-making.

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

* Project 1: AI-Driven Robotics for Sustainable Precision Agriculture
This project develops autonomous, vision-based robotic systems for highly targeted resource management (e.g., spot-spraying weeds). It aims to significantly reduce urban herbicide use by overcoming technical hurdles in visual complexity and high-speed precision actuation.
Supervisory Chair: Dr. Justin Quinn

* Project 2: LLM-Integrated Robotics for Industry 5.0
Focused on human-robot collaboration, this work upgrades legacy Industry 4.0 robots using Large Language Models (LLMs). By creating a novel translation framework, it allows existing robots to understand natural language instructions, bypassing the need for costly new systems.
Supervisory Chair: Dr. Nazmul Siddique

* Project 3: AI-Enabled Predictive Robotics Framework for Resilient Manufacturing
This project designs a robot-assisted predictive maintenance system. It uses sensor data to continuously forecast the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of production assets, autonomously scheduling and deploying robots for safe, timely interventions to maximise factory uptime.
Supervisory Chair: Dr. Deepika Nikam

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 to all applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile, 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.

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.

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.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

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.