University of Warwick – School of Engineering

Qualification: Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (PhD)

Start date: 30th September 2024

Funding for: 3.5 years

Supervisor: Dr Zhenhui Yuan

Title: Low-latency Communication System for Telerobotics

Project Description:

Telerobotic applications have a huge potential to improve productivity and job quality, particularly for tasks in hazardous, extreme and complex environments that require human skills (e.g. remote surgery, nuclear decommissioning, subsea infrastructure maintenance, aerospace exploration, etc). A significant challenge for telerobotic applications is the communication latency. Current research shows that network delays reduce the sense of presence in tele-manipulations and cause inaccurate actions. In tele-surgery, for instance, high network delay results in a longer operation time as well as increased fatigue level for surgeons.
This project designs a low-latency communication system that allows responsive human-robot interaction. With the proposed approach, telerobotic data (e.g. audio, visual, haptic, control signals, sensors, etc.) will be delivered within delay bounds that satisfy both human tolerances and specific tele-manipulation tasks. Mathematical optimization methods will be developed to reduce the end-to-end latency. The outcomes will be validated in both simulation and real-world telerobotic testbed.

Scholarship:

The award will cover the tuition fees at the UK rate £4,786, plus a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum for 3.5 years of full-time study. International candidates are welcome to apply but would be required to meet the fee difference.

Eligibility:

The candidate should have a good 2.1 Bachelors, or Masters degree in Electronic Engineering or Computer Science. This project will suit those with a keen interest in communications and networking technologies and knowledge of cyber-physical systems.
Required skills include:
-Solid knowledge of communications and networking.
-Experience in IoT (robotics) is a plus.
-Experience in simulation (e.g. Mininet, OMNET++) and/or real-world experiments.
-Strong skills in maths and software programming.
-Good writing, communication, and presentation skills.
-Teamwork and interpersonal skills.

How to apply:

Applicants should prepare a cover letter outlining motivation and suitability for this project, and a full CV that includes your BSc or MSc with GPA, a list of all publications and contact details of two referees to warwick.ac.uk/engpgr/zy/appcvLink opens in a new window.

If you are successful at the interview, you will be invited to submit a formal application and fulfil the entry requirements set by the University of Warwick.

Please reference Telerobotics in your communications. If you have any questions or would like more information about this project, please contact zhenhui.yuan@warwick.ac.uk

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The University of Warwick provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual’s differences. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010.