Fully Funded PhD Scholarship — Robot Skill Learning
The Industrial AI Research Group at the University of Auckland is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship focused on robot skill learning. The project aims to develop intelligent robotic systems capable of learning and adapting in industrial environments.
Project Focus
The research centers on creating generalised intelligence and learning techniques that allow robots to acquire, store, and reuse skills in dynamic factory settings. Candidates will work under the supervision of Dr. Yuqian Lu and Professor Bruce MacDonald.
Candidate Requirements
Applicants should possess:
- A Master's degree or First-Class Honours in Robotics, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields
- Strong programming skills in Python, ROS, control systems, or machine learning frameworks
- High motivation for intelligent robotic systems research
- Excellent interpersonal abilities for collaboration with research organizations and industry partners
Funding Details
The scholarship covers tuition fees plus an annual stipend for 36 months, following the University of Auckland's PhD scholarship rate. The start date is flexible but must be no later than September 2026.
Application Deadline
Interested candidates should submit their CV, academic transcript, and a brief research interest statement to Dr. Yuqian Lu at yuqian.lu@auckland.ac.nz by November 15, 2025.