Available Projects
Distributed Machine Learning for Robotic Sensor Networks
Imagine fleets of small robots that can explore disaster zones, monitor forests, or track pollution — all without central control. This vision is becoming real through Robotic Sensor Networks (RSNs), where mobile robots and wireless sensors cooperate to sense, learn, and act in dynamic environments. Unlike static sensor networks, RSNs can move, adapt, and reconfigure themselves to achieve mission goals even when communication links break or the environment changes.
Primary supervisor: Dr Zhenhui Yuan - Email: Zhenhui.Yuan@warwick.ac.uk
Project detail:
This project explores how distributed machine learning (ML) can make RSNs more autonomous, energy-efficient, and responsive. You’ll investigate how robots can learn from local data, share insights with teammates, and make collective decisions — all under real-world communication and computing constraints.
Possible directions include:
-Low-latency coordination: Using reinforcement learning (RL) to optimize routing and formation control for fast and reliable data sharing.
-Collaborative learning: Applying federated learning so robots can train shared models without sending all their data, reducing network load.
-Energy-efficient intelligence: Designing lightweight AI models that adapt sensing and communication strategies to save battery life.
The project bridges AI, networking, and robotics, and is ideal for students passionate about distributed intelligence, edge computing, and autonomous systems.
Check out our recent demos and papers at : http://www.zhenhuiyuan.net/
How to apply for admission: www.warwick.ac.uk/pgrengineering
How to apply for a scholarship: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/eng/postgraduate/funding/
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.