Collective behaviour of uncrewed aircraft

About the project 

Help develop the next iteration of automated vehicles 
 
If you are keen to establish a career in artificial intelligence and interested in developing Australia’s defence capabilities, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within the Industrial AI Research Centre, in partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Group. 

Uncrewed aerial vehicles are increasingly deployed for a wide variety of missions. Many of these missions would benefit from collective action. Trusted automation of the actions taken by formation aircraft members and the action of the formation as a whole is required, but it does not exist yet. 

We want to understand if modern and advanced control methods can be used to achieve trusted fixed wing uncrewed aerial vehicle group behaviour. If so, we want to understand the constraints and limitations of the level of automation. Our project also seeks to understand the fundamental constraints created by the technological components of sensing, navigation and communications.  

We will focus on developing information systems and algorithms that can robustly deal with multiple aircraft scenarios of increasing complexity. Our aim is to create an improved understanding of how we can make use of autonomous fleets of vehicles.
 
You will be based in the IAI Research Centre. This dynamic Centre offers you a collegial and collaborative learning environment. Our worldclass facilities and equipment will provide you with all the resources you need to thrive. You will also benefit from the guidance and mentorship of leading experts in their fields.  
 
What you’ll do 

In this project-based research degree, you will develop an experimental framework underpinned by modern control theory, that allows stable and provable automation of fleets of vehicles. We will support you in developing and submitting articles to high impact aerospace and automation literature. 

The research will be done in high quality simulations of actual aircraft and relevant to the function of collaborative combat aircraft. Upon completion, you will have an enviable suite of hands-on skills and experience and a strong platform from which to launch your career in academia, industry or government.  
 
Where you’ll be based 

You will be based within the IAI Research Centre. We bring together experts from across computer sciences to develop solutions for autonomous and augmented intelligence systems. We are a part of the global revolution in artificial intelligence, machine learning, Industry 4.0 and Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies.  

Our researchers work with organisations around the world to develop solutions that cater to their specific needs. We have worked with Siemens, BP Australia, Yokogawa Electric and more, growing these partnerships over time to continually design sophisticated AI-driven solutions.  

The Industrial AI Research Centre has the skills and knowledge to meet demand and lead the next technological revolution Financial Support  

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 (2025 rate) per annum is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $52,352 per annum (2025 rate). A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Eligibility and Selection 

This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. 

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our Mawson Lakes Campus in the north of Adelaide. 

Essential Dates 

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available.
Applications close on Thursday, 28 November.