RESEARCH
Exploring New Knowledge Horizons
The Research Program centres on Exploring Knowledge Horizons. To do so we have initiated a progressive research agenda for PhD and MPhil students to conduct world-class research through the Academy.
BMW Group and QUT Design have forged a focused research agenda. We seek to discover new knowledge by exploring areas that intersect with BMW Group and QUT’s interest. This includes the latest knowledge concerning design thinking and expertise, emerging technologies and impacts on industry 4.0, and visionary human-machine interfaces. This may also verge into topics that include VR / AR, artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, big data, human-machine-robot interactions and related fields. More detailed information will be provided regarding specific research projects as they are launched.
As researchers embedded within the BMW Group + QUT Design Academy, you will be working with the Academy team and BMW Group on forging and initiating cutting-edge research projects. Research students are able to apply through QUT’s research application process and must meet eligible entry requirements.
The BMW Group + QUT Design Academy will be offering PhD and MPhil positions with scholarships in the near future. The research will be initiated at the BMW Group + QUT Design Academy in Brisbane, with a view to closely liaise with and travel to BMW Group in Germany for a period of time as part of the research study.
Research Priorities
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Advances in Human-Robot Interfaces for Advanced Manufacturing
This research area evaluates the latest advances in human-robot interfaces within logistics and factory applications, to determine best-practice principles for future development.
Social Robotics in Industry (Emotion and Social Interaction)
As we move towards greater robotics integration within industrial settings, there is growing interest in how human-robot interactions will impact workplace culture and dynamics moving forward. This has lead researchers to explore how social robotics might inform the future of industrial robotics design, development and implementation.
HRI/HCI and Wearable Technology
Industry 4.0 creates a greater interest in the research, development and use of wearable technologies. This includes exoskeleton devices that could improve overall safety and productivity, wearable devices which provide ways to monitor operator wellbeing and work performance, share information and knowledge, and provide Big Data analytics, or adaptive smart tools and wearable AR and VR technologies to improve HRI and human integration within future factories.
Safety Systems
The importance of a human-centred centred approach has been highlighted as a key consideration within the shift to Industry 4.0. Research focusing on developing and implementing appropriate safety systems and technologies will be crucial to ensure the success of these endeavours.
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The Future of Automotive and Mobility Human-Machine Interfaces
This topic is in the context of autonomous driving and emerging technologies. We intend to explore how future premium automobiles interfaces and interior design will need to utilise emerging technologies to suit an autonomous driving scenario.
Advanced Vehicle Interfaces
The automotive and mobility industry is constantly exploring novel ways of interfacing and interacting with vehicles. This includes driver-vehicle feedback and safety systems, navigation controls, infotainment and media technologies. Ensuring a human-centred perspective is at the centre of these developments will be an essential area of research moving forward.
Future Interior Design
A shift to autonomous vehicles and emerging smart material technologies are set to reshape our experiences as drivers and passengers. The influence this has on what is considered standard and how that impacts the emotional experiences of people interacting with cars will require research that explores the emotional aspect of vehicle interior design for drivers and passengers.
Autonomous Vehicle Technologies
The emergence of Autonomous Vehicles is seen to drastically reshape our lives in many ways. How these systems operate, how we ensure social integration, facilitate human-vehicle communication, pedestrian interactions, and the development of appropriate infrastructure and safer driving technologies are all becoming significant areas of research that will need to be explored.
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The Role of Industrial Design Expertise in Multinational Corporates
This stream explores the ways in which Industrial Designers, Creative Processes and Design Thinking have been assimilated by multinational corporate leaders (like BMW Group) to foster positive impacts through the application of emerging technologies.
Thinking and Process
Design thinking, methods, skills and attributes has become highly influential within business practices. The impact this has had on large organisations and how it is being utilised within corporate strategy, creative innovation, project management and development to create positive outcomes has become a growing field of research interest.
High-End Visualising and Prototyping
High-end digital visualisation and physical prototyping practices are design-specific skills that are of great value to fields that previously have not implemented these techniques and approaches. How they can be successfully implemented into existing pipelines and practices to ensure value to companies is an under-explored area of research.
3D Modelling Software and Technologies
New and emerging 3D software and supporting technologies have had a significant impact across a wide range of industries, including film, television, and gaming. However advanced manufacturing, logistics, production, design and research are areas that are emerging as relevant fields of application for these types of technologies. The exploration of novel 3D tools, techniques, workflows and peripheral technologies in this area is fast becoming a strong area of research.
Research Scholarship Applications
We are seeking high-calibre researchers to join the BMW Group + QUT Design Academy who can demonstrate an outstanding track-record in their undergraduate degree - or an equivalent role in their professional careers. Although we prefer candidates with a background in Industrial Design, Interaction Design, Games Design or User Experience Design, this is not a requirement. We also welcome candidates from Information Technology, Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Science, Psychology and related fields.
We look for certain attributes in applicants including a professional attitude, proven excellence in their respective field of study, independent work ethic, an inquisitive and analytical mindset, and a passion to uncover original contributions to a well defined research problem.
We also seek particular skillsets including strong performance across design, design research (qualitative, quantitative or mixed), a significant understanding of rigorous research methodologies, and an emerging track-record of publications and academic outputs. Accomplished skills across communication (written and verbal), visual presentation and 3D CAD are expected. It is preferred to demonstrate high-end knowledge in 3D CAD packages (SolidWorks, Fusion360 or similar), Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, XD). It is also favourable to have knowledge of Unreal Engine, Substance Painter, and coding / programming skills.
Applications will be submitted through the QUT Research portal. If you would like to read more about the research programs including details and eligible entry requirements follow the link to discover more about PhD and MPhil degrees.
There are several steps for the application process but the key aspects to consider include entry requirements, research proposal and supporting documentation.
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Image credit: Jordan Domjahn, idealworks