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Scholarships

The Australian Centre for Field Robotics (ACFR) at The University of Sydney is dedicated to the research, development, application and dissemination of field robotics principles. The ACFR is now the largest robotics and automation research group in Australia and is also one of the largest of its kind in the world.

The ACFR invites students interested in PhD research in the area of autonomous systems, including perception, control, learning and systems to apply for APAs.

APA Semester 1 2012

Applications for APA scholarships are open to Australian residents/citizens only. APA scholarships are valued at $23,728 p.a. (tax exempt).

Application forms and supporting information may be found at the Research Office website

Applications now closed for semester 1. Applications for semester 2 2012 will open around mid May.

Rio Tinto

The Australian Centre for Field Robotics (ACFR) at the University of Sydney has established a major new Centre for mine automation. Rio Tinto, a global mining company, has committed $21m of funding for an initial period of five years for this new Centre. The aim of the Rio Tinto Centre for Mine Automation (RTCMA) is to develop and implement the vision of a fully autonomous, remotely operated mine. This is a major research and development effort with a clear focus on delivering sustained leadership in mining automation. The Centre is structured around three main programmes:

  • Technology: The objective of the technology programme is to apply and develop existing and new technology to the automation of current mining operations. The programme aims to rapidly field automation systems in areas such as drilling, loading and haulage, and to integrating these into a coherent mining automation system.
  • Research: The objective of the research programme is to develop and field key enabling technologies for automated and remote mining. These include sensing, data fusion, machine learning, machine control and mine systems engineering. The programme aims to build a substantive and unique research strength in mining automation technologies and systems.
  • Training: The objective of the training programme is to deliver new skills and trained graduates in mining automation. The programme aims to enable Rio Tinto to support and make best use of automation systems across its global operations.

Rio Tinto postgraduate scholarships

The ACFR is seeking students interested in PhD research in the area of autonomous systems, including data fusion, perception, control, learning and systems to be part of this exciting new initiative and apply for a full time scholarship sponsored by Rio Tinto.

Applicants should have a first class honours degree in mechanical/mechatronics engineering, mining engineering, electrical engineering, aeronautical/aerospace engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science or related discipline or extensive appropriate professional experience.

Each scholarship is valued at $27,651 p.a. (tax exempt). The scholarship will be supplemented by access to overseas travel grants and other allowances. Applicants must have been offered a place at The University of Sydney.

Applications are now closed. There are a number of top-up scholarships available for successful APA and IPRS recipients.

For further information please contact Ms Lisa Hunter-Smith, Australian Centre for Field Robotics, The Rose Street Building (J04), The University of Sydney NSW 2006. Tel: (02) 9351 8143, Fax: (02) 9351 7474, email: lisa.huntersmith@sydney.edu.au

Further information on the Centre’s activities and general contact details may be found at www.acfr.usyd.edu.au

Further information for International Students applying for scholarships may be found at The International Office website

4th Year Thesis Topics in Mining Automation

RTCMA is offering up to 5 scholarships (valued at $2,000 each) for participating in specific 4th year thesis topics in mining automation which contribute to this project. Successful applicants will be exposed to one of the largest field robotics programmes in the country.

Further information on the topics can be found here

Interested students should send their CV and a cover letter, including details of their thesis topic and supervisor, to Dr Steve Scheding at

Applicants will be assessed on:

  • Academic merit
  • Personal interaction and communication (written and verbal) skills
  • An understanding of the thesis topics offered

Applications are now closed. Successful applicants will be notified before the start of semester 1 2012.