Phd-Automation and smart sanitation technology development
PhD @Cranfield University posted 1 day agoJob Description
This research project develops automated smart sanitation systems for household communities through the Gates Foundation’s global health initiative. Students conduct interdisciplinary research combining automation engineering, electronics, embedded systems, firmware development, and IoT technology to create innovative toilet technologies for performance monitoring and optimization.
Research involves designing intelligent control systems, developing firmware for embedded devices, implementing sensor networks, and creating user interfaces. Students work with ISO:30500 standards, conduct field trials, and collaborate globally for practical implementation.
Key Areas: Automation engineering, embedded systems, firmware programming, IoT, sensors, data analytics, electronics, microcontrollers, wireless communications, sustainable technology.
Smart sanitation technology represents a critical intersection of automation engineering, embedded systems, and global health innovation. With 3.6 billion people worldwide lacking access to safely managed sanitation, automated toilet systems equipped with IoT sensors, intelligent controls, and real-time monitoring capabilities are essential for addressing this global challenge. This multidisciplinary field combines cutting-edge engineering with sustainable development, making it highly relevant to both technological advancement and humanitarian impact in today’s interconnected world.
This project aims to develop next-generation automated sanitation systems that can operate reliably in household community settings. The research focuses on creating intelligent toilet technologies incorporating embedded sensors, firmware-controlled automation, wireless connectivity, and maintenance algorithms. Students will design, build, and test smart sanitation solutions that can monitor system performance, optimize operational efficiency, and provide valuable data insights for improved system operation.
Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships is creating leaders in technology and management globally. We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Cranfield University’s expertise in automation, embedded systems, and global development engineering provides an ideal research environment for this innovative project. The Gates Foundation, a leading global philanthropic organization committed to improving health and reducing inequality worldwide.
The research is expected to produce deployable smart sanitation technologies that can reduce operational costs and maintenance requirements. Results will include validated automation systems, published research in high-impact journals, patent applications for innovative technologies, and pilot implementations in real-world community settings. The project aims to establish new standards for intelligent sanitation systems and create scalable solutions that can be implemented across diverse geographical and cultural contexts.
This project offers exceptional opportunities including international fieldwork, collaboration with global organizations, specialized training in embedded systems and IoT development, and direct engagement with communities benefiting from the technology. Students will gain exposure to both cutting-edge laboratory research and real-world implementation challenges, providing a unique combination of technical excellence and humanitarian impact.
Students will develop highly sought-after skills in automation engineering, embedded systems programming, and IoT development. The interdisciplinary nature of the research provides excellent preparation for careers in technology companies, international development organizations, consulting firms, or academic institutions. Graduates will possess strong technical capabilities, cross-cultural communication skills, project experience, and a proven track record of developing solutions for global challenges, making them exceptionally competitive in today’s technology and development sectors.
