MSc Autonomous Systems

Autonomous systems will increasingly be adopted into every aspect of our daily lives. The future of autonomy, in the transport sector alone, is projected to grow tenfold to over US$550 billion by 2026. Plymouth is fast becoming a global centre for excellence in marine and robotic autonomy systems development. You will have the opportunity to use our specialist laboratories including the COAST and Robotics Laboratory for your dissertation.

Our one year course covers core principles of this emerging field: sensor technologies for machine perception; machine learning and AI for adaptation and decision making; embedded systems, communications, security and data management, for safe and efficient operations of an Autonomous System. The course also encompasses general ethical issues related to the societal acceptance of these systems. The course has been designed in conjunction with employers who contribute seminars and guest lectures.

Key Features

• Unique programme providing strong skill sets both in marine and robotic autonomy.
• Taught by world-leading experts from the Autonomous Marine Systems (AMS) Research Group, the Centre for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS), the Maritime Cyber Threats Research Group and the Big Data Group.
• When our new engineering and design facility is launched, students in engineering, science and the arts will have access to a range of specialist equipment and innovative laboratories.
• Keep updated with the latest developments in artificial intelligence techniques and their application in autonomy – our seminar series with speakers from industry and academia gives you the opportunity to keep ahead in this fast moving field.
• Guest lectures from the key people in industries working in autonomy, for example: Thales, Metalectrique Battery Systems, Dynautics (H-Scientific), Sonardyne, MSubs, Furgo, PML, NOC, Babcock International, ORE catapult, Teledyne e2v, Seiche Ltd to provide real contacts and share their experiences.
• Provision to work on Industry-based autonomous systems projects with the potential for laboratory and test facility support.