University of Warwick – School of Engineering

Qualification: Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (PhD)

Start date: 6th January 2025

Funding for: 3.5 years

Supervisor: Dr Zhenhui Yuan

Title: Machine Learning-based Low Latency Holographic-type Communications

Project Description:

Holographic-Type Communication (HTC) is a means of teleoperating 3D holograms of humans and objects over the Internet. In comparison to traditional 2D/3D video communications, HTC provides truly immersive experiences that revolutionise human interaction in areas such as online conferencing, gaming, healthcare, retail, etc. by integrating multi-sensory media (i.e. video, haptic and smell). HTC is a key component of ITU’s Network 2030 roadmap, and will be supported by 6G and beyond wireless systems.

A major barrier of using HTC is the end-to-end communication latency which mainly consists of capturing, encoding, transmission, decoding, and rendering. Typically, streaming a HTC frame (i.e. a point cloud) needs more bandwidth than that of traditional 2D/3D video frames. For instance, transmitting a point cloud of a single human object at 30 fps would require a transmission bandwidth between 300Mbps to 3Gbps. This is a significant challenge to existing Internet infrastructure. In addition, encoding and decoding HTC frames in real-time require abundant CPU/GPU resources.

This project aims to reduce the network latency of HTC with a focus on adaptive bitrate streaming (ABR) algorithm. Innovative machine learning (ML)/artificial intelligence (AI) approach will be designed to deliver point cloud data by jointly considering network conditions, computing capability, and end users’ experience. The proposed approach will be validated in both simulation and real-world HTC testbed. A use case of an immersive telesurgery will be demonstrated in collaboration with medical and hospital partners in the UK.

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.