Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014) and an outstanding 66% of the work of Loughborough’s academic staff who were eligible to be submitted to the REF was judged as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, compared to a national average figure of 43%. In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career. Rail vehicles have used the same fundamental passive mechanical guidance mechanism for nearly 200 years. The Control Systems Group aim is to challenge this entrenched thinking and revolutionise how rail vehicles are designed and operated. The vision is for future vehicles to be autonomous, self-guiding and self-diagnosing mechatronic systems that will dramatically improve performance and reliability. This project will investigate cutting edge algorithms from the control, autonomy and artificial intelligence areas to produce proof of concept demonstrators to influence key thinkers in the rail sector who will implement these disruptive technologies in the future. The Control Systems Group have been investigating concepts in this sector for more than 30 years and this is evidenced by the large industrially supported research programme that the group is growing. This project is a great opportunity to be part of this expanding and fascinating area, helping shape the future of rail travel.