AI-Based terrain detection with smart wheels for autonomous robotics

Category: Funded research project
Location: Gippsland
Value: $38,500
Open date: 23/07/2026
Close date: 30/07/2026
Study sector: Higher education
Study level: Higher Degree by Research
Student type: Domestic, International
Student status: New / commencing
Scholarships available: 1

Project details

We're collaborating with Outlook Industries and Australia's Economic Accelerator (AEA) to develop a comprehensive autonomous navigation system for field robots capable of operating in diverse environments, including rural and remote areas.

Terms and conditions

Industry partner and student host: Outlook Industries

Federation University and Outlook Industries collaborate to develop a comprehensive autonomous navigation system for field robots capable of operating in diverse environments, including rural and remote areas. The system integrates global navigation, leveraging data from self-tracking modules, 3D mapping landmarks, onboard GeoSuite maps, and AI predictions to plan optimal routes. Local navigation is enhanced using sensory data and Kalman/Particle filter-based tracking algorithms to detect and respond to moving objects. The integration of Agoraphilic technology enables the robot to identify and prioritize free, navigable space, ensuring safe operation in unfamiliar terrains. AI-powered perception using passive camera-based sensing minimizes emissions and enhances discretion.

In this project, the aim is to develop, haptic feedback, derived from wheel current and torque signatures, which allows the robot to sense and adapt to terrain conditions, optimizing mobility and stability. These advancements collectively provide robust, autonomous navigation capabilities on top of the existing technologies. The project aims to develop AI-based terrain detection system to work in tangent with vision systems.

Before you apply

Scholarship applicants must be eligible to undertake a Master of Philosophy degree. Check you can meet eligibility requirements. If you are applying for ‘Honours equivalence,’ please ensure that you provide detailed information to support your case.

Domestic and international applicants can apply.

Applicants should contact A/Prof Gayan Kahandawa Appuhamillage prior to submitting an application.

This project will commence on 23 February 2026.

Applications

Applications close 15 December 2025.

Applicants must submit their application with all necessary documents by completing the HDR Candidature application

Please note this project in the scholarships section of your appplication.

This project is funded for 2 years.

Stipend

$38,500 per year, provided in fortnightly, tax-free instalments

Project support

$3,000 per year available to spend on the research project provided by the Research Training Program (RTP) allowance

Tuition fees

Up to $32,000 will be covered by the Research Training Program (RTP) fee-offset scholarship for domestic students, and by a tuition fee scholarship for international students