Collaborative Robotics for Product Handling

Summary

DuPont manufactures materials with world famous household names such as Lycra, Nylon, Kevlar, Teflon and Neoprene. The DuPont site in Maydown employs over 200 people and is a world leader in the production of Kevlar. In particular, they manufacture DuPont™ Kevlar® Aramid Pulp which helps enhance performance through high temperature reinforcement and viscosity control. However, the manufacturing process comes with a number of difficulties. The primary issue is that heavy machinery used for manufacturing, such as rotating machinery, can result in ergonomics issues. This is a significant risk that DuPont wish to reduce or eliminate via the development of a vision-based product handling robotic system. The secondary issue is the productivity costs resulting from time consuming and repetitive tasks.

In manufacturing, many machine vision systems today are more than pure inspection systems, as they make it possible to recognise changes in processes, thus enabling a robotic system to respond accordingly. This is not only about finding out whether there is something obstructing the robot’s path in the environment, but about intelligent reasoning of the complete product handling process. A particular area of focus for DuPont is defect detection in the Kevlar Bobbins prior to them being packaged and relocated. Combining computer vision with artificial intelligence will enable a PhD researcher to develop models that can reason, understand or learn like a human. The ability to identify defects, adapt to new and unusual data, and to be robust to non-perfect data is essential for a system capable of deployment in a manufacturing environment. This aspect of the project will enable a PhD researcher to make significant novel contributions to the field of computer vision and deep learning in smart manufacturing. These novel algorithms will then be integrated on to a mobile robotic system that will inform the design and development of new control algorithms suitable for the environment and tailored to work in collaboration with humans.

The main research contributions are:
a) Novel computer vision-based algorithms for defect detection in bobbins;
b) Computer vision algorithms dynamic human-robot collaboration;
c) Control algorithms for human-robot collaboration.

By undertaking on this PhD with DuPont, the successful candidate can access cutting-edge technologies, industry best practices, and a global network of experts. This unique opportunity will allow the candidate to drive innovation, enhance operations, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Join forces with Ulster University and DuPont to unlock new career possibilities.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• DfE CDP Award in collaboration with DuPont

This CDP studentship offers an annual non-taxable maintenance grant of approx. £19,500 plus an additional stipend top-up of £1000 per annum, covers three years of tuition fees (worth over £14,000), in addition to support for research training and project running costs.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.