PhD Studentship: Collision Avoidance & Safety Integrity of Unmanned Ground Vehicle in a GNSS-denied Environment

Location: UK Other

Jo iCASE – PhD Studentship Opportunity - Collision Avoidance & Safety Integrity of Unmanned Ground Vehicle in a GNSS-denied Environment 

Applications are invited to undertake a 4-year PhD programme in partnership with industry to address key challenges in safety and integrity of Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV). The successful candidate will work to undertake PhD research work with QinetiQ and with University of Nottingham office on the Innovation Park. 

The iCASE funded PhD Studentship is the result of the expanding activities at QinetiQ, particularly looking at the robust PNT and highest integrity systems needed for autonomous vehicle operations. These applications include many ground based vehicle operations, including unmanned operations, requiring high levels of integrity even in situations where GNSS signal is fully and/or partially denied. 

This project will involve working with appropriate analysis and modelling tools as well as low-cost LiDAR-based fusion with inertial sensors, and GNSS. Machine Learning approach will be adopted to understand sensors capabilities in various unfavourable vehicular domain before fusion for PNT solutions. Furthermore, to investigate scope of Quantum LiDAR sensors. Internationally recognised QinetiQ specialists in the field will be available throughout the project to provide the PhD student with support and guidance if required.

The project will include training within QinetiQ for a period to be agreed. The training will enable the understanding of the technical issues related to the project, as well as developing a good partnership with the appropriate technical teams. There will be joint academic and industrial supervision. In this way, the student will develop both academic and industrial skills with multiple career opportunities at the end of the PhD study.

The iCASE Scholarship covers the tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend for the duration of the project, for a home student. This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic first or upper second-class graduate in electronic engineering or similar area to build strong knowledge in communications technology and applications. 

Interested in this studentship? Applications with a CV, cover letter and academic transcripts should be sent to Prof Pat Wheeler ([email protected] ) or Dr Rajesh Tiwari ([email protected] ). Suitable applicants will be interviewed, and if successful, invited to make a formal application.