UKRI AI CDT in Dependable and Deployable AI for Robotics (CDT-D2AIR)
UKRI AI CDT in Dependable and Deployable AI for Robotics (CDT-D2AIR)
CDT-D2AIR aims to strengthen the synergies between Computer Science and Engineering, with a 4-year PhD programme that adopts a systems approach to AI, verification, and design within the context of dependable and deployable robotic systems.
Our world-class training programme (called #CREDIT) aims to extend our students' academic experience through engagement with industry (Connect), novel research in dependability and deployability (Research), real-world application areas (Expand), deployment on robots (Deploy), consideration of industrial impact (Impact), and innovative training methods (Train). Students will also have an opportunity to interact with industry partners, giving them practical skills, combined with real-world experience that cannot easily be taught through traditional methods. #CREDIT includes cohort-wide and elective activities including guest speakers, seminars, skills sessions, lab visits and internships, retreats, plus access to opportunities like seed funding and commercialisation training. Research activities are supplemented with non-technical skills such as an understanding of technology translation, creativity, and entrepreneurial processes.
In Year 1, students take a bespoke set of CDT-specific courses taught by faculty from both Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh. The courses are designed to balance the need for core training in topics related to the CDT's research themes, together with the need to reflect the diverse disciplinary interests of the students and supervisors.
Year 1 core mandatory courses: All students will take two core courses covering four key topics: 1) Requirements and Specifications, 2) Verification and Validation of Autonomous Systems, 3) Concept Development and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), and 4) Integration and Testing Methodologies for Autonomous Systems. These courses will ensure that students are trained in the latest methods of AI, verification, design, and robotics, while also having the practical skills to ensure that the systems can be safely developed and deployed. Innovative teaching approaches will facilitate deep engagement and cohesion of the cohort through immersive modules. These two courses, Dependable and Deployable AI for Robotics 1 and 2, will be delivered in Semester 1 (September - December) and Semester 2 (January – April), respectively, with each course worth 30 credits.
Year 1 synthesis course: Students will customise their learning by preparing an in-depth literature review that investigates a research area in greater depth. A key aspect of this course is that students will observe/audit topics in some of the existing MSc (SCQF Level 11) courses at Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh. To demonstrate their learning, students will submit a written report exploring how the topics they have covered in their literature review, core mandatory courses, and observed/audited courses relate to their proposed PhD research topic. Students will also give a presentation to their cohort, supervisors, and external research partners in the form of a short Masterclass. The report and Masterclass presentation will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis. These activities will be assessed and reported in the course Synthesis of Dependable and Deployable AI for Robotics, delivered across Semester 1 (September – December) and Semester 2 (January – April), worth 60 credits.
Year 1 individual project: Students will work with their supervisors to define their individual research project in the summer of Year 1. This work may involve a stand-alone exploration (e.g., conducted with an industrial partner to understand a problem area) to serve as the basis for the formal PhD topic. This preliminary project work and PhD project description will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis through a written research report submitted as part of the progression material required at the end of Year 1 and reported in the course Dependable and Deployable AI for Robotics Year 1 Report, worth 60 credits.
In addition to focusing on their PhD research project, students in Year 2 will participate in at least two innovative activities designed to ensure they experience direct exposure to industry and a wide variety of stakeholders. These activities include industry-sponsored development sprints, hackathons, industry internships, international research lab placements, bootcamps, outreach and public engagement activities, and commercialisation training. The full list of these activities will be monitored and updated throughout the programme.
These years focus primarily on the students' lab-based PhD project work. Students will also have the opportunity to continue participating in the innovative activities from Year 2. For instance, students will be able to bid for seed funding for start-up activities; mentor and train new cohorts for competition participation; develop new outreach activities based on their own research; and participate in an invention disclosure process. CDT-D2AIR will also offer training support relevant to PhD completion (e.g., writing workshops, presentation skills, career advice).
Throughout their PhD programme, all CDT-D2AIR students will also be encouraged to attend transferable skills training sessions, delivered by both Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh. These courses are designed to help postgraduate students acquire and develop skills necessary for their research work and future careers. More details of courses at Heriot-Watt University can be found at the Research Futures Academy. A full list of courses at the University of Edinburgh is available through the Institute for Academic Development.
A distinguishing characteristic of CDT-D2AIR is the cohort structure which provides students with a strong mutually-supporting network of other students backed up by a first-class resource of related knowledge, skills, experience, and equipment facilities. Cohort building begins before students start the programme, with new students being encouraged to connect to the CDT via its social media activities. This keeps them appraised of news and developments and involves them in the CDT from the outset. An induction programme is organised at each university so that new students meet key staff and students from other related CDTs. Cohort building continues during the programme with team-building activities, attendance at regular seminars and events, opportunities to participate in team challenges, and participation in outreach activities.
The CDT-D2AIR programme also promotes team-working within the cohort: students undertake multi-disciplinary research and training and are encouraged to share their experience and expertise with others. Teamwork is developed further by providing shared desk spaces for students to work, and having an elected student representative from each cohort to help shape activities and communicate concerns to the CDT.
Fully funded studentship covering tuition fees and monthly stipends, with funding for travel, small pieces of equipment, and optional international placement.
Access to the world class infrastructure of the Edinburgh Centre for Robotics, including the Bayes Centre at the University of Edinburgh and the National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University.
Supervision by academic experts from both partner institutions resulting in a joint PhD degree from Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh.
Excellent training opportunities, including Master's-level courses in Year 1, supplemented by training in commercial awareness, social challenges, and innovation.
Access to multi-disciplinary projects promoting team-working skills and publishable research.
Opportunities for an international placement to collaborate with prestigious labs.
Availability of skills training and enterprise funds to support the development of early commercialisation prototypes.