Research ThemeAutonomous Sensing Platforms AimTo develop geometry-aware optimisation methods for designing and manufacturing components of autonomous sensing platforms that jointly satisfy operational-performance, sensor-integration, interface and fabrication constraints. ObjectivesDevelop geometric optimisation formulations for selected components of autonomous sensing platforms, incorporating shape, fit and lightweighting constraints. Investigate computational representations that allow these constraints to be handled efficiently and robustly. Incorporate basic manufacturing considerations, such as material use and fabrication complexity, into the optimisation process. Demonstrate the resulting methods on a small number of representative platform components, such as sensor mounts or lightweight structural parts.DescriptionAutonomous sensing platforms operate under demanding physical constraints. Components for aerial, marine or ground systems may need to be lightweight, mechanically robust and precisely fitted to existing assemblies, while also accommodating sensors without obstructing their operation. Their geometry can therefore affect both platform performance and the practical difficulty of manufacturing the component. This project will investigate geometric optimisation methods for the design of selected components of autonomous sensing platforms. The focus will be on representing requirements such as shape, fit, lightweighting and sensor integration as geometric constraints and objectives that can be treated computationally. The project will study suitable geometric representations and optimisation methods that allow such constraints to be handled efficiently and robustly. A further objective will be to incorporate basic manufacturing considerations into the optimisation, such as material use, geometric complexity and compatibility with processes such as additive or subtractive manufacturing. Rather than attempting to optimise an entire autonomous platform, the methods will be demonstrated on a small number of representative components, such as sensor enclosures and mounts, fairings, or lightweight structural parts. The aim is to develop practical and reliable computational tools that connect geometric design requirements with manufacturable component geometry. Further information https://avaxman.github.io/ Closing date: 31 Jan, 2027 Apply now Principal Supervisor Dr Amir Vaxman 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 This position is fully funded. Informal Enquiries spads@ed.ac.uk
