This PhD is an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council-supported, industry-focused research project developing Augmented Reality technologies integrated with next-generation robotic systems to enable autonomous inspection of primary aerospace structures. Delivered within the SEARCH and in close collaboration with BOEING and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), the project sits within a broader aerospace manufacturing context where global demand for commercial aircraft is driving significant increases in production rates and placing pressure on inspection and quality assurance capacity.

BOEING’s commercial aviation sector is entering a sustained growth phase driven by long-term fleet renewal and increasing global air travel demand, with forecasts of tens of thousands of new aircraft required over the coming decades. To meet these demands while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance, manufacturers must significantly scale production throughput, which in turn intensifies reliance on efficient, high-confidence inspection systems for safety-critical structures such as carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) airframe components.

While robotic Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) systems have improved data acquisition efficiency, inspection interpretation remains a major bottleneck. Large volumes of ultrasonic data still require expert manual analysis, leading to high cognitive load, long turnaround times, and constraints on production scalability. This PhD addresses these challenges by developing AR-enabled frameworks that spatially contextualise robotic NDT data directly onto aerospace structures, supporting faster, more consistent defect interpretation and decision-making within industrial workflows.

The research includes an industry-focused 3-month placement at the BOEING Aerospace Innovation Centre, where methods will be validated in real inspection environments using BOEING’s Combined Inspection Cell and industrial hardware. The project is strongly industry-backed, with financial and in-kind support including specialist facilities, engineering expertise, consumables funding, and joint academic–industrial supervision. Outcomes are expected to contribute to scalable inspection workflows, reduced cognitive burden on inspectors, and improved throughput aligned with future aerospace.

Further information

Fully funded 3-month placement at the BOEING Aerospace Innovation Centre, providing hands-on exposure to real aerospace inspection systems and industrial engineering practice. The role also includes opportunities to travel and present research at leading international conferences, alongside structured training and professional development to support technical and career growth in advanced robotics and aerospace manufacturing.