Research ThemeSensor Signal ProcessingMulti-agent Systems and Data IntelligenceAimDevelop algorithms to infer when an agent becomes aware of a sensor from multi-sensor data and optimise the decisions of either the monitor or the agent being monitored. ObjectivesModel how awareness of a sensor changes an agent's behaviour and the data seen by other sensors. Develop change detection methods to estimate when awareness occurs and quantify uncertainty when data are noisy or missing. Optimise sensor use and observation schedules to reduce the risk of discovery while retaining useful information. Optimise an agent's behaviour to infer sensor presence and limit the information available to the monitor. DescriptionAn agent may change its behaviour when it notices a sensor, altering the data available to other sensors. We will investigate whether these changes reveal when the agent became aware of the sensor, and how either side should respond. We will model awareness as a latent state that influences behaviour and measurements from multiple sensors. Change detection methods will estimate when awareness occurs and quantify uncertainty when data are noisy or missing. We will use these estimates to choose sensors and observation times while balancing information gained against the risk of discovery. We will also optimise the monitored agent's actions to infer sensor presence and limit what it reveals. Controlled simulations will test the methods when sensor coverage is incomplete and agents learn over time. We will compare performance when optimising for the monitor and when optimising for the agent, measuring detection delay, false alarms, uncertainty calibration and the information obtained by the monitor. Closing date: 31 Jan, 2027 Apply now Principal Supervisor Dr Elliot Crowley Assistant Supervisor Prof Mike Davies Eligibility Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree. Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants. Funding Fully funded position. Informal Enquiries spads@ed.ac.uk
