PhD Studentship: Advanced Compliant Snake Robot for Nuclear Power Inspection

1 month ago


Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom University of Nottingham Full time

**Robotics PhD Opportunity with UKAEA and University of Nottingham**

We invite talented candidates to join our interdisciplinary research team at the University of Nottingham, working in collaboration with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to tackle key challenges in robotic deployment systems for fusion power plants.

The successful candidate will be primarily based at the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology, Department of Mechanical, Material and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering. This is an excellent opportunity to work on robotics and AI with strong links to industrial applications and key skills and knowledge in preparation for a high-impact, high-technology research or industrial career.

Key Research Focus: The intelligent design and control of an extra-long compliant snake robot capable of self-localisation for inspection in fusion power plants.

Project Objectives:

  • Literature review of robots for working in confined spaces and their localisation strategies.
  • Design and manufacture of an extra-long compliant snake robot for reaching deep inside confined spaces, such as pipes and vessels.
  • Kinematics, static and dynamic models of the snake robot.
  • Localisation of the snake robot with various sensory feedback, including vision and Fibre Bragg sensors.
  • Demonstration for evaluating the developed snake robot and its navigation and localisation strategies.

Requirements: First or upper second-class degree in Mechatronics/Robotics/Mechanical/Computer Science or related scientific discipline. Outstanding analytical and numerical skills, with a well-rounded academic background. Demonstrated ability to develop precision Mechatronics systems and algorithms. Ability to develop kinematic and/or dynamic analysis of Mechanical/Robotic systems. Ability to implement control and kinematics with hardware-in-the–loop. Background with relevant packages (e.g., MATLAB, SolidWorks/Creo, ROS/OpenCV/python, LabVIEW/C languages). A driven, professional and self-dependent work attitude is essential. Experience working within the industry will be an advantage. The ability to produce high-quality presentations and written reports.

Funding: The scholarship on offer comprises a tax-free stipend (£19,237 a year), tuition fees paid, and a generous study package.



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