Connectionists: 3 years PhD Studentship at Aberystwyth University, Computer Science Department, UK

[Elio Tuci]

3 years PhD Studentship at Aberystwyth University, Computer Science  
Department

Project Description

The Intelligent Robotics Group, at Aberystwyth University (UK) has one  
PhD Studentship available for the academic year starting on 1 October  
2013. The studentship is available in the following project:

Evolution of Autonomous Road Following Vehicles (Supervisor: Dr Elio  
Tuci)

The project's objective is to design control systems for robotic  
vehicles required to autonomously navigate (using cameras) poorly  
delineated roads without straying from the boundaries. The vehicles'  
controller will be an artificial neural network, synthesized by using  
evolutionary computation techniques, capable of dynamically (in real  
time) performing multiple colour model transformations to extract  
perceptual features that can be reliably used to select the most  
appropriate motor actions to guide the vehicle on the road. Two  
versions of the system will be investigated. In the first, the neuro- 
controller is in charge of both the processing of the visual input and  
the guidance of the vehicle (by directly controlling the status of the  
vehicles actuators). In the second, the neuro-controller processes the  
visual input and contributes to the guidance of the vehicle but it is  
not fully in charge of it. We will generate two final demonstrators: a  
vehicle performing road-following in laboratory (controlled)  
conditions; and a vehicle performing road-following in open  
environments. The Intelligent Robotics Lab at AU is home to several  
robots and autonomous vehicles that will be used for the activity of  
this project. We have 7 Pioneer robots and 10 e-puck robots, all  
equipped with a vision system that will be used to run laboratory  
tests. Idris, the 4 wheels drive, 4 wheel steering, electric vehicle  
and two G-Wiz electric vehicles will be used to run tests in natural  
environments.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a high grade Bachelors or Masters Degree in  
Computer Science, Robotics, Computational Neuroscience, Psychology or  
related disciplines. The candidates must have good programming skills  
and a strong motivation for research.

Funding
The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full Home/EU  
tuition fees plus a stipend of £13,726 per annum.  The studentship  
will only fully fund the applicant who is eligible for Home/EU fees  
with relevant qualifications.  An applicant normally required to cover  
overseas fees will have to cover the difference between the Home/EU  
and the overseas tuition fee rates (approximately £9,790 per annum).

For further information on the project or for an informal discussion,  
please contact Dr Elio Tuci at elt7 at aber.ac.uk.

Applications (i.e., a detailed CV) should be sent by email (preferably  
in PDF format) to (elt7 at aber.ac.uk). Applications will be considered  
until the position is filled.

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Elio Tuci, Lecturer                                  Tel: +44 (0)1970  
622537
Department of Computer Science          Fax: +44 (0)1970 628536
Llandinam Building
Aberystwyth University
Aberystwyth Ceredigion
SY23 3DB
UK
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