AI Supported Sustainable Standards-Based Interoperability

Advance the operability of digital twins 

About this project

If you are keen to launch your career in the artificial intelligence industry and interested in developing our knowledge and use of digital twins, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within Industrial AI Research Centre, in partnership with MIMOSA and Synengco. 

A lot of research has investigated the development of digital twins and the development of new information models to support the interoperability of digital twins with the real world. But there is limited information available that deals with the evolution of digital twins and how to deal with changes that occur on both sides – the virtual and the real world.  

This project will investigate the problem of how to adapt to changes at the conceptual level. For example, what do we do when a new type of data is added, or a new version of an interoperability standard is introduced and how do we adapt running software so the operation adapts to those changes.  

The goal is to achieve a sustainable interoperability solution that allows existing infrastructure to adapt to changes and continue to operate by incorporating and integrating those changes.  

We aim to develop a model-driven framework that can support the full development cycle of dealing with changes. We want to identify and predict changes in an information model based on predictive data analytics, then match changes to the existing ecosystem using large language models and natural language processing.  

We then aim to measure the impact of the change on the ecosystem, create new models or extensions semi-automatically with the interaction of domain experts, and generate executable code which adapts the changes on the operational/executable level. 

You will be based in the Industrial AI Research Centre.  This collegial and supportive cohort will mentor and support you in your research endeavours. You will have access to world class expertise and facilities and exposure to applying research to solve real-world problems. 

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will be involved in implementing a proof of concept and  applying it to multiple cases studies currently being investigated in the IAI research centre.   

Part of the framework will be the development of new concepts and knowledge on how to link AI techniques to create domain models. You will evaluate new developments in a software prototype in collaboration with end users in the Future Energy Exports Cooperative Research Centre.  

You will use an agile approach where the prototype is developed step wise in close collaboration with end users who provide feedback for improvement in the next development cycle. 

The skills you will gain through your project-based research degree will prepare you to be a leader in your field, with practical experience and skills in the rapidly growing fields of artificial intelligence, data management, data science, information modelling and global information systems. 

Where you’ll be based

You will be based in the Industrial AI Research Centre. The Centre brings 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.  Financial Support 

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $32,500 per annum is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, permanent residents of Australia. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $45,076 per annum. A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included for this group.  For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information.  International applicants will not be eligible to receive the scholarship.

Eligibility and Selection 

This project is open to application from both domestic and international applicants.

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. Note that international students on a student visa will need to study full-time.

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 Tuesday, 10th October.