Biologically Inspired Design and Simulation of Neuromorphic Drone Control

Description

NTHU-UoL Dual PhD Programme between National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan and the University of Liverpool in the UK is a well-established programme, where students spending 2 years at both institutions. Working with world leading academics and research capabilities the PhD candidates will spend two years in each institution. Upon successful defence of their research work, the candidates will obtain dual PhD degrees.

This project proposes an innovative approach to the design and operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by integrating biologically inspired mechanisms into their flight control systems. By hypothesising that a biologically derived UAS exhibits unique flight characteristics and a broader operating envelope than its traditional counterparts, the research aims to revolutionise the current development of UAS technology. To obtain certification of a biologically inspired UAS, rigorous testing is required to provide confidence in the system's performance in a given scenario. Validated simulation testing and verification can provide a strong argument that the system performs as expected, and thus can be certified safe to operate. The simulations also allow a greater spectrum of scenarios to be tested, up to and including those that would otherwise crash the UAS. This allows the demonstration that the biologically inspired UAS can operate in a wider envelope than a ‘traditionally’ development system.

The project Is structured into a comprehensive four-year plan, where the initial two years at NTHU focus on the design, construction, and physical testing of both biologically inspired and traditional UAS models. Specifically, the student will design spiking neural network models inspired by insect neural circuits that perceive visual information, make decisions and transform into motor commands. The subsequent two years at UoL are dedicated to developing, validating, and applying a simulation model to test a wider range of operational scenarios. This will be done within the Flight Science and Technology group and the extreme environments lab. This testing will show the new FCS to holds unique flight characteristics and a wider operating envelope. This collaborative effort between NTHU and UoL is designed to not only advance the field of neuromorphic engineering and drone control but also contribute to the UN-SDGs by fostering quality education, industry innovation, and partnerships for achieving these goals.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the project, applicants are required to be familiar with electrical engineering and neuroscience, prefereablly having degrees or conducting research in both fields. It is preferable that the student has some experience with simulations and aerospace engineering.

We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result.

We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Applicant Eligibility

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable University in an appropriate field of Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered.

Application Process

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form [How to apply for a PhD - University of Liverpool] applying for a PhD in Aerospace Engineering and uploading: Degree Certificates & Transcripts, an up-to-date CV, a covering letter/personal statement and two academic references.