PhD Studentship: Decentralised Drone Swarm Framework for Dynamic Target Detection in Construction

Location Details: Loughborough Campus

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD researcher to develop a cutting-edge drone swarm technology that addresses real-world challenges in dynamic construction environments.

Modern construction sites are dynamic and chaotic, characterised by evolving progress, resource use, and safety needs. Emerging construction manufacturing techniques such as concrete printing and modular construction, demand precise positioning of robotic systems and structures over large areas. Tracking these targets throughout the project's lifecycle, while also supporting safety and quality control, necessitates a network of mobile measurement systems. Swarm-based robotics offers a modular, scalable approach to inspection. Drones, with their mobility and wide field of view, present a promising solution. However, current swarm drone operations rely heavily on consistent, detailed instructions from central command nodes, limiting their flexibility and adaptability. By integrating AI-driven decision-making, these swarms can gain a deeper contextual understanding of their environment, enabling generalisation and autonomous problem-solving when encountering unforeseen challenges.

This research aims to develop a decentralised framework for drone swarm collaboration. Each drone will independently perform tasks while reacting to neighbours’ actions to achieve a common goal. Beyond construction, this framework could revolutionise operations in extreme environments, such as space exploration, disaster response, and nuclear inspections, where centralised control systems are impractical.

For more information about the project, please email: Dr. Claire Guo and Dr. Pedro Ferreira.

How to Apply: 

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select ‘Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering’ and quote the advert reference number ‘FP-CG-2025’ in your application.

Please ensure that you submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and the minimum supporting documents. Incomplete applications after the advert closing date may not be considered.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.

Entry requirements:

• Applicants must have a 1st or high 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in robotics, mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, computer science, or a related field.
• Candidates should have programming experience and a strong interest in robotic systems and AI. A passion for applying technological solutions to real-world challenges is essential.
• Applicants will need to submit a research proposal (not more than 3 pages), a CV, and an example of written work (paper, project report, etc.) to be considered for an interview.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the international website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding Details

Additional Funding Information

The studentship is for 3-years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees.

Closing Date: 16 April 2025

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