PhD Study : Situation reasoning and task planning in human-robot systems to support independent living

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Summary

Caring for an ageing population is one of the biggest challenges in many developed and developing countries, and the dramatically increasing elderly population challenges have changed the traditional caregiver-centered care model. Advances in sensors, robotics, pervasive computing and mobile technology have provided a new care model to improve independent living and the quality of life in home smart environments. Recent years, service robots have been introduced to provide independence and support to vulnerable individuals living in their own homes.

This project aims to investigate how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can improve the communication in human-robot autonomous systems with focus on situation reasoning, task planning, and behaviour pattern recognition. Algorithms will be developed to address the challenges in service robots, for example, detecting ambiguities in situations and providing appropriate response.

Specific objectives of the project are:

1)To investigate mobile robotic technologies that support independent living;

2)To develop algorithms for situation reasoning and task planning;

3)To apply and develop machine learning algorithms to identify human behaviour patterns; and

4)To improve human-robot interaction

Drawing on knowledge from other domains, the student will develop radical innovations which show promise for integration into future or existing home support systems. They will explore state-of-the-art artificial intelligence algorithms and robotic techniques. The project will be carried out in the Pervasive Computing Research Group. It is envisaged that external clinical and industrial collaborations will support the development of this project. Strategic fit with current research.

This proposal aligns with the research theme of Healthy Community in the Pervasive Computing Research Group and will be integral to the H2020 RISE project Sensecare with opportunity to travel and work alongside project partners.

Anticipated research outcomes

1)Algorithms situation reasoning, task planning and behaviour pattern detection

2)Prototype system of service robot to demo the feasibility study

3)Publication of conference and journal papers

References

Forlizzi, J. and DiSalvo, C., 2006, March. Service robots in the domestic environment: a study of the roomba vacuum in the home. In Proceedings of the 1st ACM SIGCHI/SIGART conference on Human-robot interaction (pp. 258-265). ACM.

Lemaignan, S., Warnier, M., Sisbot, E.A., Clodic, A. and Alami, R., 2017. Artificial cognition for social human–robot interaction: An implementation. Artificial Intelligence, 247, pp.45-69.

Fischinger, D., Einramhof, P., Papoutsakis, K., Wohlkinger, W., Mayer, P., Panek, P., Hofmann, S., Koertner, T., Weiss, A., Argyros, A. and Vincze, M., 2016. Hobbit, a care robot supporting independent living at home: First prototype and lessons learned. Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 75, pp.60-78.

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%

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

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

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 6 August 2018
12:00AM

Interview Date
mid August 2018

Preferred student start date
Mid September 2018

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Professor Huiru (Jane) Zheng

Other supervisors