PhD Studentship: PhD in an Integrated Intelligent Safe Environment (IISE) in the Nuclear Industry
University of Birmingham
The nuclear industry is increasingly seeking to deploy robotic and autonomous systems were possible to reduce worker exposure to hazardous environments, improve productivity and enhance operational resilience. Whilst significant progress has been made in remote operations, a major barrier we currently still find is the ability for robots and operators to work collaboratively within the same safety envelope. Current safety approaches generally require physical segregation, exclusion zones or reduced robot operati...
The nuclear industry is increasingly seeking to deploy robotic and autonomous systems were possible to reduce worker exposure to hazardous environments, improve productivity and enhance operational resilience. Whilst significant progress has been made in remote operations, a major barrier we currently still find is the ability for robots and operators to work collaboratively within the same safety envelope. Current safety approaches generally require physical segregation, exclusion zones or reduced robot operati...
Opportunity details
The nuclear industry is increasingly seeking to deploy robotic and autonomous systems were possible to reduce worker exposure to hazardous environments, improve productivity and enhance operational resilience. Whilst significant progress has been made in remote operations, a major barrier we currently still find is the ability for robots and operators to work collaboratively within the same safety envelope. Current safety approaches generally require physical segregation, exclusion zones or reduced robot operating modes, with, in some cases, complete removal of personnel. This can limit the potential benefits we could realise with autonomy and prevents effective human-robot coexistence in complex nuclear operations. The IISE project is aimed at developing technologies, methodologies and assurance frameworks to enable humans and robotic systems to operate safely, efficiently and collaboratively within a shared environment. Vision To create a nuclear working environment in which robotic systems and operators can safely coexist and collaborate within the same safety envelope, dynamically adapting to changing conditions whilst maintaining demonstrable safety and regulatory compliance. Research Challenge There are some fundamental challenges that need to be considered as part of this work: • Human behaviour is unpredictable. • Nuclear environments are dynamic. • Safety regulations ensure our operators face minimal risk with predictable and repeatable operations. • Autonomous systems need to be predictable and verifiable. • Regulatory acceptance requires demonstrable evidence of safety performance. • The complex design of our stores make wireless communications difficult. Research Focus Area – Digital Twin enabled Human-Robot and Sensor Collaboration This PhD centres aroun...
Eligibility
The successful applicants should have a first degree classified at 1st (or equivalent) in Robotics and AI or a closely related subject. If you are interested in this position, email Dr Steve Davis (s.davis.2@bham.ac.uk) including a CV and a brief (half page maximum) statement explaining how the position is related to your background and experience.
Requirements
The successful applicants should have a first degree classified at 1st (or equivalent) in Robotics and AI or a closely related subject. If you are interested in this position, email Dr Steve Davis (s.davis.2@bham.ac.uk) including a CV and a brief (half page maximum) statement explaining how the position is related to your background and experience.
Funding and benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students, EU Students, International Students. This position is open to UK fee payers AND international students, and the funding will cover all tuition fees and also provide a stipend to cover living costs during the student’s studies. The successful applicants should have a first degree classified at 1st (or equivalent) in Robotics and AI or a closely related subject. An MSc in robotics or a related area is also highly desirable. If you are interested in this position, email Dr Steve Davis (s.davis.2@bham.ac.uk) including a CV and a brief (half page maximum) statement explaining how the position is related to your background and experience.
Required documents
CV
How to apply
If you are interested in this position, email Dr Steve Davis (s.davis.2@bham.ac.uk) including a CV and a brief (half page maximum) statement explaining how the position is related to your background and experience.
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Recorded source check: October 30, 2026. A stored check date does not guarantee that every field is complete or still current. Compare the provider, eligibility, funding and deadline with the live official call before applying.
Benefits
Funding eligibility: UK Students, EU Students, International Students. This position is open to UK fee payers AND international students, and the funding will cover all tuition fees and also provide a stipend to cover living costs during the student’s studies. The successful applicants should have a first degree classified at 1st (or equivalent) in Robotics and AI or a closely related subject. An MSc in robotics or a related area is also highly desirable. If you are interested in this position, email Dr Steve Davis (s.davis.2@bham.ac.uk) including a CV and a brief (half page maximum) statement explaining how the position is related to your background and experience.
Eligibility summary
The successful applicants should have a first degree classified at 1st (or equivalent) in Robotics and AI or a closely related subject. If you are interested in this position, email Dr Steve Davis (s.davis.2@bham.ac.uk) including a CV and a brief (half page maximum) statement explaining how the position is related to your background and experience.
Requirements
The successful applicants should have a first degree classified at 1st (or equivalent) in Robotics and AI or a closely related subject. If you are interested in this position, email Dr Steve Davis (s.davis.2@bham.ac.uk) including a CV and a brief (half page maximum) statement explaining how the position is related to your background and experience.
Documents required
CV
Language/test requirements
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