PhD Study : DeepHAR: Deep-learning for Human Activity Recognition

Summary

This project will focus on innovations in computer vision and deep Learning to develop novel analytical methods for Human Activity Recognition (HAR). The automated analysis of human activities has now become an essential area of research due to a wealth of application areas such as: Robotics, where activity recognition can determine how robots integrate within human activities (i.e. bring the user a glass of water after exercising); Ambient Assisted Living, where activity monitoring can determine and measure daily routines to identify irregularities such as underlying medical conditions; and Security Surveillance, where activity recognition can be used in the identification and prevention of crime or incidents of self-harm.

The advancement of computing, robotics and sensor technologies offers a variety of new channels for the automated analysis of human activity. Advanced vision sensors such as event-based sensors and depth based imaging when combined with advanced machine learning techniques such as deep learning offers many opportunities for HAR.

The successful candidate will employ state-of-the-art learning algorithms (e.g. Deep Learning, Self-organising fuzzy neural networks, Hidden Markov Models, Recurrent Networks) in combination with novel sensing technologies (DVS, Kinect, etc) to recognise, analyse and predict human activity sequences.

The successful candidate for this PhD project will work within the Cognitive Robotics team in the Intelligent Systems Research Centre and focus on innovations in computer vision and deep Learning The Intelligent Systems Research Centre (ISRC) is a major multidisciplinary research unit within the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment in Ulster University. The ISRC is dedicated to the creation of intelligent computational systems, taking inspiration from, and learning from, biology and neuroscience. The work of the Centre is directed at achieving a greater understanding of biological signal processing and the translation of critical aspects of that knowledge into computational systems that can perform in a way that humans would consider "intelligent".

The Cognitive Robotics team in the ISRC focuses on novel, advanced control methods for autonomous mobile robots, merging approaches from Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Science and Engineering. Research in Cognitive Robotics at the ISRC ranges from investigating robotics as a science, to applications of robotics such as industrial robotics, assistive robotics and computer vision. The Cognitive Robotics Laboratory in the ISRC is one of the most advanced in Europe, possessing a 100m2 powered floor and a wide range of robots; such as the Willow Garage PR2, Shadow Robot Dexterous Hand, 2x Robotnik Summit XL, 10x Pioneer P3-DX, a range of 7 DoF Schunk manipulator arms as well as vision systems permitting the capture of 2D and 3D visual data (Microsoft Kinect, Dynamic Vision Sensor), Vicon tracking system and high performance computing facilities.

This project aligns with a long-established track record of projects within the ISRC (IMCLeVeR, Rubicon, BIONICS), involving activity recognition.

The successful student will have the opportunity to contribute to internationally recognised research in computer vision and assisted living domains over the course of 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.

• 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.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%
• For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
• 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