Model Predictive Interactive Control (MPIC) for Cooperative Robots in Industry 5.0 Kingston University in United Kingdom

Industry 5.0 represents the next evolution in manufacturing, building upon the technological advancements of Industry 4.0 by reintroducing the human element into industrial processes. This paradigm shift emphasizes collaboration between humans and cooperative robots to achieve greater productivity, flexibility, and efficiency. However, seamless integration of robots and humans in dynamic, uncertain environments presents significant challenges, particularly in coordination, safety, and adaptability.

This PhD project at Kingston University focuses on the development and application of Model Predictive Interactive Control (MPIC) techniques to address these challenges. The research aims to design a novel MPIC framework that optimizes the cooperative behavior of multiple robots working alongside humans, taking into account system dynamics, operational constraints, and coordination objectives. Key objectives include developing advanced algorithms for trajectory planning, obstacle avoidance, collision detection, and task allocation within cooperative robotic environments.

Comprehensive simulations will be conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed MPIC framework, followed by implementation on a real-world multi-robot industrial setup to validate its effectiveness, robustness, and scalability. The outcomes of this research are expected to enhance the efficiency, coordination, and adaptability of collaborative robotic systems, ultimately benefiting industries by reducing downtime, improving resource allocation, and facilitating the integration of cooperative robots within the Industry 5.0 framework.

The project is part of the Graduate School studentships competition for October 2026 entry, offering funding opportunities for eligible candidates. Applicants should possess a strong academic background in engineering, computer science, robotics, or related fields, with skills in control systems, algorithm development, and programming. International candidates may need to demonstrate English language proficiency.

For further details on funding and application procedures, please refer to the Kingston University PhD Studentships and Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment research webpages. The application deadline is March 4, 2026.