PhD Studentship: Machine Learning to Build Trustworthy Robot Swarms

Project title: Using Machine Learning to Build Trustworthy Robot Swarms  

Supervisory Team: Mohammad Soorati

Project description:

We are seeking a PhD candidate to join our cutting-edge research team (visit sooratilab.com) focused on advancing the trustworthiness and usability of multi-robot systems, particularly in the context of swarm robotics. With the rapid growth of autonomous systems, ensuring that swarms of agents can operate safely, effectively, and transparently in complex environments is crucial. Our research addresses these challenges through multi-agent machine learning and the design of novel interfaces and interaction models that facilitate seamless communication and collaboration between human operators and swarms. This includes developing user-centric approaches to enhance situational awareness, control, and decision-making in complex tasks.

We expect you to conduct research on human-swarm interaction, focusing on trust modeling and system transparency, design and implement experiments to collect data on human behavior and swarm performance that will involve physical ground or aerial robots, develop adaptive interaction models that respond to real-time human trust and cognitive load levels, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, cognitive scientists, and robotics experts and present findings in high-impact journals and conferences.

The student will have access to multiple robotic platforms (aerial, quadruped, and wheeled) and is free to choose the platform that is most suitable for their research. will have the chance to discuss with industry partners to develop real-world applications for their designed robot swarms. There also the opportunity to collaborate with international partners (e.g., University of Texas at Austin) and travel to conferences and partner institutions.

Applicants interested in applying machine learning or human factors to multi-robot domain are encouraged to apply. Applicants are expected to have excellent grades with a strong programming skill (e.g., Python, ROS, etc.).

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 31 August 2025. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and EU students, including Bursaries and Scholarships.  For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton  Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online:  Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk) Select programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Computer Science (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Mohammad Soorati

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

The School of Electronics & Computer Science is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward. 

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