University of Southampton
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PhD in Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning for Safe Navigation of Multiple Robots University of Southampton in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Competition-funded PhD project for students worldwide. Funding opportunities include Horizon Europe fee waivers that cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students, Presidential Bursaries covering the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants, and competition-based studentships that typically cover UK-level tuition fees plus a living stipend for top-ranked applicants. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis.
Deadline
Aug 31, 2027
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Southampton
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About this position
PhD opportunity: Multi-agent reinforcement learning for safe navigation of multiple robots at the University of Southampton (Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences).
This project focuses on robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, human-robot interaction, and multi-agent reinforcement learning. The research asks how robot swarms can coordinate collective goals while adapting to human comfort, preferences, social expectations, and trust in shared spaces such as homes, workplaces, hospitals, and public environments.
Possible research directions include balancing task efficiency against human comfort, learning individual differences in acceptable proximity and behaviour, coordinating swarm decisions when one person’s preferences affect the whole system, and communicating robot intentions so people understand and trust the swarm. The work may combine simulation, physical robot platforms, experimental studies with humans, and novel algorithms for socially acceptable navigation.
You may work with Dr Mohammad Soorati / SooratiLab, with access to platforms including robot dogs, ground rovers, quadcopters, and robotic arms.
Funding: competition-funded PhD project for students worldwide. Funding options mentioned include Horizon Europe fee waivers, Presidential Bursaries, and school studentships that may cover UK tuition fees plus a living stipend for top-ranked applicants.
Eligibility: UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in computer science, robotics, AI, engineering, HCI, psychology, cognitive science, or a closely related field; strong background in reinforcement learning and programming (preferably Python); independent research ability; and interest in robotics/HRI.
How to apply: submit an online application for Research, 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences; choose full-time or part-time; search for PhD Computer Science (7089); and add the supervisor name in section 2. Include a research proposal, CV, two references, transcripts/certificates, and English language evidence if needed.
Deadline: 2027-08-31. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged.
Funding details
Competition-funded PhD project for students worldwide. Funding opportunities include Horizon Europe fee waivers that cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students, Presidential Bursaries covering the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants, and competition-based studentships that typically cover UK-level tuition fees plus a living stipend for top-ranked applicants. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis.
What's required
Applicants must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in computer science, robotics, artificial intelligence, engineering, human-computer interaction, psychology, cognitive science, or a closely related discipline. Essential requirements include a good background in machine learning technologies including reinforcement learning, a strong interest in human-robot interaction, autonomous systems, robotics or artificial intelligence, the ability to undertake independent research and critically evaluate scientific literature, and strong programming skills preferably in Python or a comparable language. English language qualification is required if applicable.
How to apply
Apply online as a Research programme for 2027/28 in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Select full-time or part-time, search for PhD Computer Science (7089), and add the supervisor name in section 2. Include a research proposal, CV, two academic references, degree transcripts/certificates, and English language qualification if applicable.
More information can be found here
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