PhD in Verifiable, Safe and Interpretable Multimodal Large Language Model Control System Design for Vehicle Environment Understanding
This fully funded PhD project at Coventry University, in collaboration with GITAM, focuses on the design of verifiable, safe, and interpretable multimodal large language model (MLLM) control systems for advanced vehicle automation. The research aims to address the increasing complexity of vehicle automation by developing AI-guided predictive control frameworks that enable multiple control systems to interact efficiently, particularly in the context of the innovative Run Dry Traction System (RDTS). RDTS is a novel active safety technology designed to remove water from the front of each tyre, enhancing vehicle safety and performance on wet surfaces and supporting advanced torque-vectoring in electric and automated vehicles.
The project will leverage MLLMs for environmental detection, interpretation, and control system design, focusing on the integration and cooperation of RDTS with existing dynamic stability control systems. The research is structured across two locations: at Coventry University (UK), the emphasis will be on vehicle dynamic modelling, benchmarking, and the engineering challenges of deploying RDTS in conjunction with current safety systems; at GITAM (India), the focus will shift to multi-sensor fusion for water level and road condition detection, refining the MLLM-based control framework.
Supervision is provided by a distinguished team: Associate Professor Olivier Haas (Coventry University), an expert in model predictive control and AI for automotive systems; Assistant Professor Qian Lu, specializing in generative AI and advanced driver assistance systems; Professor Mike Blundell, inventor of RDTS and a leader in vehicle dynamics; and Professor Bharani Chandra (GITAM), with expertise in control systems and autonomous vehicles.
The studentship covers tuition fees, a stipend, one return airfare between the UK and India, visa, and overseas healthcare for the mobility period. Comprehensive research training and career development support are provided through Coventry University's Doctoral and Researcher College.
Applicants should hold at least a 2:1 degree in a relevant field (e.g., engineering, computer science), with strong academic performance and English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 overall, minimum 6.5 in each component). Candidates must submit a full application, including supporting documents, a covering letter, and a 2000-word statement outlining their fit for the project. For further details, contact [email protected] or visit the project link.
