[visionlist] Available PhD Position at the Intersection of Underwater Robotics, Computer Vision, and AI

[Amir Aly]

Dear All,

We have an available PhD position (*Harnessing AI for enhanced underwater
biodiversity monitoring*) at the intersection of underwater robotics,
computer vision, and AI. More details are available here: Link - Topic
(CDTS310)
<https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/research-degrees/doctoral-training-partnerships/cdt-summer/study>
. The closing date for applications is *23:59 GMT on 16 January 2024.*

Project description
The twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change are possibly the
greatest threats to human survival on our planet. Observations of species,
assemblages, and ecosystems provide the fundamental data that support our
ability to model, predict, and act to mitigate potential future outcomes in
terms of biodiversity loss and climate change. However, at present
biological observations are limited and biased in their spatial extent.
Technological innovation in the form of marine autonomous and robotic
systems has the potential to expand our observing capability rapidly, and
dramatically. However, while these systems are now routinely deployed,
progress in realising their benefits is impeded by the need for human
interpretation of the imagery they collect, and their limited
decision-making capabilities while on a mission. Artificial intelligence
and deep learning have the potential to revolutionise marine biodiversity
monitoring by unlocking the full potential of these platforms.
Aims and objectives
The aim of this studentship is to conduct research on the application of AI
to biodiversity monitoring to increase the efficiency and endurance of
marine autonomous and robotic systems, ultimately reducing the cost and
time involved in data gathering.
Training
Training will be provided on all basic theories, methods, software, and
equipment required to successfully carry out the project. Opportunities for
other internal and external training beneficial to the project and the
candidate’s career skills will also be sought.
Project structure
The project will conduct research across four key areas addressing
questions on 1) effective taxon identification from imagery, 2) effective
tracking of animals to provide accurate count data, 3) use of sensory
information (e.g., visual, position, velocity, and sonar range data) for
on-the-fly smart platform decision-making, and 4) maximising endurance of
the observation platforms through the use of solar charging.
The student will be based in the School of Engineering, Computing, and
Mathematics at the University of Plymouth, but will benefit from the
experience of a multidisciplinary team focused on the application of this
research to real-world biodiversity monitoring challenges.
Supervisory teamThe project will be supervised by Dr Dena Bazazian
<https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/staff/dena-bazazian>, Dr Amir Aly
<https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/staff/amir-aly>, Professor Kerry Howell
<https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/staff/kerry-howell-2>, and Dr Katie Shanks with
the industrial partnership of Fugro.

If you have questions, pls don't hesitate to ask,

Regards

----------------

*Dr. Amir Aly*

Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Programme Manager of Artificial Intelligence

Center for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS)

School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics

Room A307 Portland Square, Drake Circus, PL4 8AA

University of Plymouth, UK
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://visionscience.com/pipermail/visionlist_visionscience.com/attachments/20240111/cf4e960e/attachment-0001.html>