PhD in Advanced Multimodal Sensing Intelligence for Next-Generation Aerial Robotics (Robotics, Mechatronics, Machine Learning) Western Sydney University in Australia

Western Sydney University, in collaboration with CSIRO's Data61 Imaging and Computer Vision Group and Droidex Technologies Pty Ltd, is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity in Advanced Multimodal Sensing Intelligence for Next-Generation Aerial Robotics. The project is based in the Smart Sensing and Robotics Laboratory (SensR Lab) at the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Technology and focuses on developing advanced multimodal sensing techniques for aerial robots to address real-world challenges such as bushfire mitigation and sustainable agriculture.

Students will work on cutting-edge research in field robotics and machine learning, conducting hands-on experiments with aerial robots in both laboratory and field environments. The research aims to deliver a robotic sensing prototype for real-time monitoring, with significant benefits for safety, sustainability, cost-efficiency, and support for Indigenous manufacturing. The project offers opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers and industry partners, present at international conferences, and engage with stakeholders to translate research outcomes into real-world impact.

The scholarship provides a four-year stipend of approximately $47,000 per annum (tax-exempt, 2025 rate), a project expense and development package of $13,000, a 60-day industry engagement component, and a structured professional development and training program. Tuition fees are covered, and students will receive a standard PhD on completion.

Eligibility requirements include a degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, or Machine Learning (Honours/Masters), strong programming skills in C/C++ or Python, and experience with the Robot Operating System (ROS). Prior experience in robotics, machine learning, and research is beneficial, as is knowledge of mechatronics design, sensor fusion, and robot vision. Applicants must be Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

The supervisory team includes Dr. Karthick Thiyagarajan and Prof. Richard Yang (Western Sydney University), Dr. Changming Sun and Dr. Dadong Wang (CSIRO), and Mohana Krishnan (Droidex Technologies). The primary location is Western Sydney University, with industry engagement at Droidex Technologies and additional research activities at CSIRO Marsfield.

Applications close on 30 November 2025. Interested candidates should review the eligibility criteria, contact the lead researcher to discuss their suitability, and submit an online application via the university's portal, selecting 'Project Scholarship'.