PhD Study : Using UX, AI and Digital Twins for Safe Vehicle Operation

Apply and key information

Summary

Are you concerned about the poor standard of driving on the roads?

What characteristics make a competent, efficient and safe driver of a vehicle?

This PhD aims to identify those traits that highlight the critical skills needed to control a vehicle, completed within a safe and controlled digital twin environment.

The data generated via I.o.T. sensing devices by various drivers ranging from the novice to professionals will be collected and analysed using state of the art techniques, such as neural networks and complex event processing. The volume of driver data generated, will provide knowledge about the behaviour patterns of drivers in a variety of situations on the road.

We have a dedicated set of simulation rigs in use for this project: https://youtu.be/Dzasl3mBiII

Vehicles host many sensors, data generated by these sensors is utilised for the many driving assistance systems including blind spot monitoring, emergency breaking, drowsiness detection, lane tracking and tachograph. To optimise the performance of these driving assistance systems, it is critical that the skills of the driver in the seat is analysed in terms of the actions performed at certain points during the situations. This information is useful for those that set the standards for driving, such as DVLA.

The purpose of this PhD will be to investigate topics, such as:

Quantifying the standards for drivers, both new and experienced that could be utilised to assist improvement in driving standards.
Collecting evidence through observations and IoT telemetry on driving vehicles.
Make use of machine learning algorithms to identify characteristics of drivers, such as defensive driving style and other impactive sustainable goals, for example, reducing fuel usage.

As a graduate of this PhD you would be an expert practitioner who can define and assure best practice, understand changing user behaviour and influencing strategy and priorities.

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
For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
Publications - peer-reviewed

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

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 £19,237 (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