Research
Research
Our research theme surrounds four major topics: Perception and Learning, Human-Robot Interaction, Design and Manipulation, and Modelling and Control.
The research is also applicable in seven industry sectors, such as medical, manufacturing, transport, and service robot. Browse the topics below to find out more.
By research topics
Perception and Learning
Our research develops algorithms for robot perception and learning that enable robots to perceive and make sense of their environment, and learn from supervised training, experience and human teachers.
Human-Robot Interaction
We pioneer advanced new methods in developing safe, efficient and accurate human-robot interaction in a variety of contexts, enabling diverse users to collaborate with robots at work, in public settings and in the home.
Design and Manipulation
Our researchers design, test and develop new robot design and manipulation methods, ranging from mechanical design to AI capabilities.
Modelling and Control
Our research advances new learning in modelling and control for robotics through combining classical modelling techniques and optimisation-based control algorithms with state-of-the-art deep learning algorithms.
By research applications
Medical and Surgical
Medical and surgical robotics offer enormous potential to improve medical care, particularly in regional and remote communities, and our research will focus on developing safe, patient-centred applications that improve quality of life.
Autonomous Transport
Autonomous transport systems have the potential to offer improved productivity benefits to the economy and environment, while opening up new opportunities for innovative products and services. Our research will further advance autonomous transport technologies.
Assistive Robotics
With an ageing population and workforce shortages in the healthcare field, our researchers will pioneer the development of new strategies and technological solutions needed to enable the elderly and people with disabilities to achieve a high quality of life in their own homes.
Remote Field Inspection
Robots can be used to undertake difficult and dangerous remote monitoring and inspection tasks out in the field in a diverse range of complex environments, including agriculture, construction and mining. Our research will lead to improved safety and efficiency for workers out in the field.
Service robots
Our research is advancing the use of service robots in public spaces, health care settings, educational settings, and in home environments with a focus on enhancing people’s safety, productivity and comfort.
Manufacturing
New, more agile and intuitive robots open up possibilities for small to medium enterprise manufacturers to take advantage of increased automation, without the large-scale costs. Our research will pioneer new robotics technologies that offer more wider access to the benefits of automation.
Construction
The construction industry offers plentiful scope for increased efficiency and productivity through automation. Our research will offer safer, improved methods through which to automate physically challenging tasks, allowing machines to take on work that often places human construction workers at risk.