AI-powered Care Robots with Situational Awareness

Healthcare systems around the world is under unprecedented pressure due to our ageing population. Thanks to the rapid development of sensing technology and AI-powered autonomous systems, recent years have seen an exponential growth in the application of robotics in heathcare. While substantial progress has been made, developing an intelligent robot within healthcare setting which requires to understand the needs of people and interact in an effective and intuitive manner remains a challenge. For example, it has been highlighted that situational awareness, a key capability of an autonomous system, has yet to be fully explored in robotics  [1]. Gait monitoring and analysis, which play an important role in patient care have been rarely considered in the development of autonomous robots [2].

Thus, based on our previous research[3], [4],  the main objectives of this project are to provide an AI-powered robot system with situational awareness and to improve human-machine interaction by realizing the automated recognition of irregular gait patterns. Two main challenges include

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.

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

The University offers the following levels of support:

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.

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

[1] Bavle, H.; Sanchez-Lopez, J.L.; Cimarelli, C.; Tourani, A.; Voos, H. From SLAM to Situational Awareness: Challenges and Survey. Sensors 2023, 23, 4849.

[2] Guffanti, D.; Brunete, A.; Hernando, M.; Rueda, J.; Navarro, E. ROBOGait: A Mobile Robotic Platform for Human Gait Analysis in Clinical Environments. Sensors 2021, 21, 6786.

[3] Zi, B., Wang, H., Santos, J. A. & Zheng, H. An Enhanced Visual SLAM Supported by the Integration of plane Features for the Indoor Environment, Proceedings of the IEEE 12th International Conference Indoor Positioning and Indoor Navigation, 2022.

[4] D'Arco, L., Wang, H., & Zheng, H. (2023). DeepHAR: A Deep Feed-Forward Neural Network Algorithm for Smart Insole-based Human Activity Recognition. Neural Computing and Applications, 35(18), 1-17. Advance online publication.