PhD Study : ​​Human behaviour and actions for essential and safe driving of a vehicle

Summary

​​The project would see the combination of HCI/UX, driving simulation software+hardware and data analysis for users of vehicles (fossil fuelled or electric powered). Through use of a set of race tracks as well as open-world roads, available within the simulation software currently installed, it would be possible to reproduce real-world scenarios that vehicles and their drivers go through regularly, and from that, capture the driver actions as they react to set conditions.  This can include weather simulation, such as rain. This can be completed in a risk free, but realistic fashion. The data collected from the test drivers would be valuable for aiding analysis of classification of the key elements that drivers should exhibit to be deemed to have passed any automotive examination test of their ability to control a vehicle and to grade their level of skill. Models of human driving behaviours would be constructed and classified with those that are desirable and safe being recommended.

There would be a range of approaches for detecting and classifying human activity during driving a vehicle using a variety of sensors and telemetry available from the simulator. It will then possible to incorporate the characteristics identified and build a modelled world simulation that has typical roads, conditions and AI generated drivers. The aim of this research is to establish an approach to identify, classify and recommend vehicle usage characteristics that could be used to help examiners of vehicle skill level to ensure most reliably that a driver meets required standards.

The core objectives will be to:

(1) identify the human driving style as a set of classifiable characteristics;

(2) establish how best to recognise driver and skill level;

(3) to explore how best to gain and visualise the insights from the vast level of telemetry data;

(4) reproduce and build pseudo-drivers with modelled behaviour and then be able to use this to examine driver behaviour as they interact with the system.

These objectives will necessitate making use of machine learning techniques to develop models that can then be used for driver classification and the characteristics to control a vehicle and then to add the AI drivers to the system. ​

This proposal fits with the University’s strategic theme of sustainability, relating to digital futures, environmental sustainability and computing.  It is also closely aligned with both the Pervasive Computing Research Group and AI Research Centre, focusing upon research within the areas of Human Computer Interaction and Data Analytics / AI. The project benefits from access to a range of existing pervasive and wearable sensing technologies, notably the SimLab P1X aluminium cockpit with integrated computer and car simulation software, which can be used for data collection and model testing. The supervisory team has extensive expertise and experience in both the theory surrounding the work and its application.

Click on this link to view a video demonstrating the technology to be used in the project.

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.

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.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

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) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• 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) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living