Control systems and robotics
We are a growing team of experts dedicated to advancing the field of control systems and robotics by undertaking cutting-edge research and fostering innovation. Our aim at all times is to make valuable contributions to industry, society and academia through work that has practical value and tackles real-world challenges.
World-class experimental laboratories, including Rosenbrock, Robotics and AI, Cradle and RAICO.
Sixty years of history in control systems, robotics, systems theory and decision making.
Fundamental theory and proven practical applications.
Strong industrial partnerships across aerospace, energy, automation and nuclear delivering impact.
From fundamental theory to industrial application
Building on Manchester’s heritage in feedback control and the Control Systems Centre (1966), fundamental research underpins applied work closely integrated with major industrial collaborations across energy, nuclear and infrastructure sectors. Our research, grounded in control theory and fundamental analysis, advances new ideas in control systems and robotics. It informs two MSc programmes and our CDT in Robotics and AI for Net Zero, strongly supported by industry.
Our group is highly collaborative and supportive, with strong expertise in robust, adaptive and distributed control, alongside fundamental research in robotic systems theory. Our partnerships with Quanser, and projects with Amentum, UKAEA and Sellafield enable effective translation into practice.
Guido Herrmann - Group Lead and Professor of Robotics and Intelligent Control
Research
Our areas of research
Distributed systems and transport
We research cooperative and distributed control systems for multi-agent networks and transportation applications. Our work encompasses intelligent traffic management, autonomous vehicle coordination, and the design of scalable, resilient distributed architectures for connected systems.
Energy systems
We apply advanced control and optimisation techniques to modern energy systems, including smart grids, renewable energy integration, and energy storage. Our research supports the transition to a low-carbon economy by developing intelligent, adaptive control strategies for complex energy networks.
Fundamental research
Our fundamental research underpins all applied work in the group. We develop novel mathematical frameworks, algorithms, and theoretical tools in control theory, robotics, and intelligent systems. This foundational work enables breakthroughs across all of our applied research themes.
Robots for extreme environments
We develop robotic systems capable of operating in hazardous and inaccessible environments, including nuclear facilities, deep subsea, and outer space. Our research addresses the unique challenges of manipulation, sensing, and autonomy in radiation-heavy, high-pressure, and remote settings, supporting safe inspection, maintenance, and decommissioning operations.
Tele-operation, HRI and medical robotics
Our work in tele-operation, human-robot interaction (HRI), and medical robotics focuses on creating safe, intuitive, and responsive robotic systems that work alongside humans. We develop shared-control frameworks, haptic feedback systems, and surgical robots that enhance precision and safety in clinical and hazardous environments.
UAVs and mobile robots
We design and develop advanced control systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and mobile robotic platforms. Our research covers autonomous navigation, path planning, formation flight, and fault-tolerant control, enabling these platforms to operate reliably in challenging and unstructured environments.
Study with us
Your career in control systems and robotics starts here!
We are open to top applicants who want to pursue study in control systems and robotics:
- PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Please review the expertise and interest of our staff members and apply online for a PhD place.
- MSc Advanced Control and Systems Engineering
- MSc Robotics
- Undergraduate courses in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Study highlights
Advanced control and systems field course: provides in-depth practical training in modern control theory and systems engineering, developing transferable skills through laboratory exercises and industry-relevant applications.
Robotics field course: offers hands-on experience with state-of-the-art robotic systems, fostering practical skills in autonomous systems, mechatronics and AI in real-world environments and industry settings.
Connect with us
Our people
- Zhengtao Ding - Professor of Control Systems
- Guido Herrmann - Professor of Robotics
- Alexander Lanzon - Professor of Control Engineering and Head of Department
- Barry Lennox - Chair of Engineering
- Simon Watson - Professor of Robotic Systems
- Bruno Adorno - Reader
- Joaquin Carrasco Gomez - Reader
- Ognjen Marjanovic - Reader
- Long Zhang - Senior Lecturer
- Chao Chen - Lecturer
- Xiaoxiao Cheng - Lecturer
- Zhenhong Li - Lecturer
- Murilo Marinho - Lecturer
- Lanlan Su - Lecturer
- Zhiqi Tang - Lecturer
Associated members
- Guang Li - Professor of Engineering Net Zero
- Alessandra Parisio - Professor of Control of Sustainable Energy Networks
- Mahdieh Sadabadi - Lecturer
Get in touch
Contact our team
For business and general inquiries, contact Professor Guido Herrmann: