EPSRC DLA Studentship: Native AI Network Orchestration in 3D Heterogeneous Wireless Networks

Award details

Aerial Base Stations (ABSs) hosted on un-crewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly named as drones, have a significant potential to expand network coverage and dramatically boost the capacity of future envisioned 6G wireless networks. Nonetheless, the key critical challenge facing the deployment of ABSs is the insubstantial available energy of the drone (i.e., battery capacity), which severely limits the hovering and/or flying time for serving end users. In this research we will be exploring the use of drone-assisted cellular network based on Aerial Robotic Base Stations (ARBSs) with reconfigurable and versatile anchoring mechanisms. More specifically, the envisioned ARBSs could anchor dexterously and in an energy neutral manner using robotic perching mechanisms in tall urban landform structures, such as lampposts for example, to eliminate the energy consumption for hovering/flying and therefore provide a prolonged service compared to alternative designs.

In addition, the research will also consider terrestrial autonomous mobile robots that require high quality and reliable communications that could be enhanced with aerial based broadband access. In such highly integrated 3D networks advanced 6G network capabilities such as joint communication and sensing and millimetre wave (mmWave) communications will be utilized to explore an optimal network configuration design depending on the specific requirements and operational environment (use case scenario).

This PhD project will address the aforementioned challenges by exploring AI-driven methods to design, optimize, and manage the complexities of 3D converged networks, that amalgamate terrestrial mobile robots to ensuring improved network resilience, efficient resource utilization and seamless operation across integrated ground and air domains.

Award value

Stipend: Tax-free stipend of approximately £22,780 p.a. with possible inflationary increases after the first year.

Bench Fees: PGR Research allowance from £1,000 p.a. to maximum £4,500 p.a.

Tuition Fees: UK tuition fees 25/26 £5,006 per year.

Note: A UKRI fully funded studentship will only cover what is listed above. Applications should be aware there may be other costs which will not be covered by the studentship, for example, visa fees, healthcare surcharge, relocation costs

Eligibility criteria

This opportunity is only available to Home-fee paying students.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (MSc, MEng, or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field, with a minimum overall grade of Distinction or equivalent (e.g., 70% or above in the UK system). Applicants must demonstrate excellent research potential through their academic record, references and previous research (if applicable).

Other relevant criteria: Prior research experience in wireless, mobile communications such as publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings will be considered as a plus. Furthermore, strong analytical and programming skills (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C++) are highly desirable.

Applicable Level of Study: This funding opportunity is exclusively for Postgraduate Research (PGR) students pursuing a PhD programme. It is not available for Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes.

Application process

To be considered for the position candidates must apply via King’s Apply online application system. Details are available on the Department of Engineering website.

Please apply for Engineering Research (MPhil/PhD) and indicate Dr Vasilis Friderikos as the supervisor and quote the project title in your application and all correspondence.

Please ensure to add the following code [EPSRCEng2507] in the Funding section of the application form.

Please select option 5 ‘I am applying for a funding award or scholarship administered by King’s College London’ and type the code into the ‘Award Scheme Code or Name’ box. Please copy and paste the code exactly.

The selection process will involve a pre-selection on documents and, if selected, will be followed by an invitation to an interview. If successful at the interview, an offer will be provided in due course.

Further information can be found at https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/how-to-apply

Contact Details

Please contact Dr Vasilis Friderikos for queries about the project, he can be reached at vasilis.friderikos@kcl.ac.uk.

If you require support with the application process, please contact pgr-engineering@kcl.ac.uk.