PhD Studentship: Rolls-Royce Sponsored PhD Scholarship – Intelligent Sensing and Robot Control for Performing On-Wing Inspection and Repair of Aero-Engines

Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in manufacturing and On-Wing Technology, The University of Nottingham.

Applicants are invited to undertake a three-year PhD programme in partnership with industry to address key challenges in on-platform manufacturing engineering. The successful candidate will be based at The Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology at the University of Nottingham.

This project is in relation to the technical needs of Rolls-Royce to develop smart and robotic solutions to enable in-situ/on-wing repair and maintenance of gas turbine engines.

At the Rolls-Royce UTC at the University of Nottingham, we have developed robotic systems capable of navigating into crammed/hazardous environments and perform inspection and active operations such as machining. This is driven by the need to complete repair tasks without disassembly of industrial installations. We developed a series of continuum robots in both short and long versions.

At the Rolls-Royce UTC, we are developing the next generation of continuum robots and other robotic solutions to perform tasks within restrictive environments.

This project builds on these research/industrial successes and proposes intelligent sensing and control solutions for automated robotic systems capable to be tele-operated using smart human-machine interfaces.

This is an exciting PhD project that has a combination of academic and industrial challenges which will enhance the student’s ability to tackle complex intellectual and practical aspects of computer vision and robotics.

We are seeking talented candidates with:

◾First or upper-second class degree in Robotics/Computer Science/Cybernetics/Mechatronics/Mechanical or related scientific discipline

◾First rate analytical and numerical skills, with a well-rounded academic background

◾Demonstrated ability to develop precision mechatronics system and algorithms

◾Ability to develop kinematic and/or dynamic analysis of mechanical/robotic systems

◾Ability to implement control and kinematics with hardware-in-the–loop

◾Background with relevant packages, (MATLAB, ROS/ OpenCV/ python, LabVIEW/C languages)

◾A driven, professional and self-dependent work attitude is essential

◾Experience of working within industry will be an advantage

◾The ability to produce high quality presentations and written reports

This is an excellent opportunity to work on a novel robotic system with strong links to industrial applications and key skills and knowledge in preparation for a high-impact, high-technology research or industrial career.

Funding Notes

The scholarship on offer comprises a tax-free stipend of approximately £19,237 a year; tuition fees paid and a generous study package.

For PhD students wishing to pursue an academic career, the opportunity to participate in teaching activities will be sought.

Interested in this studentship? Applications with a CV, cover letter and academic transcripts should be sent to Dr Tianyi Zeng. Suitable applicants will be interviewed, and if successful, invited to make a formal application. Do not submit your application via the My Nottingham platform without having contacted our team first.

Please contact Dr Tianyi Zeng for further information.

Email: Tianyi.Zeng@nottingham.ac.uk

Due to the high volume of applications, we will only be contacting shortlisted candidates. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is appointed.

Closing Date: 31 Jul 2025 Category: Studentships