Doctoral study programme
Machine and process control
Degree: Ph.D. · Duration: 4 years (8 semesters) · Mode: full-time / combined · Language: Czech / English
Focus: research in automatic control, industrial informatics and artificial intelligence
Programme guarantor: prof. Ing. Tomáš Vyhlídal, Ph.D.
About the programme
The programme focuses on scientific research and independent creative work in machine and process control. It connects mechanical engineering, mathematical modelling, control theory, industrial informatics and artificial intelligence. It is intended for graduates of related master programmes who want to develop new knowledge and verify it in engineering practice.
Research covers mechanical and mechatronic systems, industrial processes, energy, transport and environmental technologies. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary connections and on transferring results to the design, monitoring and optimisation of real equipment.
Research skills
- Formulate a research problem and design a method to solve it.
- Apply mathematical modelling, computational and optimisation methods.
- Develop advanced control and data processing systems.
- Design experiments and verify theoretical results through measurement.
- Evaluate, generalise and present original research results.
Research process and facilities
The dissertation topic determines the specific research focus. Work connects theory with experimental and diagnostic methods, from designing and building experimental equipment to evaluating results. Depending on the topic, it can address mechanical system control, electrical drives, industrial processes or machine learning applications.
The framework topics below are grouped by research unit and supervisor. Discuss a specific assignment and supervision availability with the relevant supervisor before applying.
Framework topics
Expand a research unit to see its topics and supervisors.
What our students create
Research directions illustrated by master’s theses whose questions can inform further research. This dataset does not yet contain doctoral theses.
Automation and Industrial Informatics
Robust control of a hydropower plant
Nonlinear simulations demonstrate disturbance rejection and damping of hydraulic transients.
Skills: Dynamic models, robust control, simulation
Automation and Industrial Informatics
Smarter use of solar energy in a home
In the evaluated scenario, simulated MPC achieved a better overall score than measured operation with the original rule-based strategy.
Skills: Modelling, optimization, predictive control
Automation and Industrial Informatics
A hexapod robot controlled by reflexes
The robot achieved slow, stable forward locomotion on mildly uneven terrain.
Skills: Control algorithms, robotics, experimental validation
Thematic mapping to the current study offer. Original programme and degree are preserved. This selection is not a list of currently available thesis topics.
Department of Automatic Control (12137)
prof. Ing. Tomáš Vyhlídal, Ph.D.
- Time delay algorithms for structurally optimized multi-dimensional vibration absorbers
- Risk assessment and control of indoor climate in castles and museums
- Control design for flexible mechanical systems and robotic structures
- Controllers and compensators for time delay systems
- Oscillation and vibration damping by time delay algorithms
- Application of machine learning methods for control design of complex systems
doc. Ing. Jaromír Fišer, Ph.D.
- Backstepping control and sliding mode control of nonlinear and delay systems
- Similarity theory application to high-fidelity modeling of industrial process control and estimation
prof. Ing. Milan Hofreiter, CSc.
- Predictive control of nonlinear systems
- Relay identification of technological processes
Department of Electrical Engineering (12114)
doc. Ing. Martin Novák, Ph.D.
- Advanced control methods of high-speed electrical machines
- Advanced control of active magnetic bearings for high-speed electrical machines
- Control of high-speed electrical machines for autonomous vehicles
- 3D printing of electrical machines
doc. Ing. Jan Chyský, CSc.
- New methods for modeling and controlling electrical drives
- Control of food production technology with particular demands on precise pasteurisation temperature
prof. Ing. Jaroslav Novák, CSc.
- Analysis of structures, dimensioning and control of zero-emission traction systems
- Methods and means for reducing energy consumption in controlled electric drives
Department of Precision Mechanics and Optics (12136)
prof. Ing. Jan Hošek, Ph.D.
- Automation of adjustment techniques of optical instruments
- Machining conditions identification in micro electro-discharge machining
- Control of foil optical systems
Additional Topics
doc. Ing. Ivo Bukovský, Ph.D. (12131)
- Physics-informed machine learning in industrial applications
- Explainable neural networks for multi-input multi-output systems
prof. Ing. Michael Valášek, DrSc. (12131)
- Digital twin of engineering design
- Sliding mode control of systems with multiple sliding surfaces
- Optimal control of energy consumption by robots from battery
- State derivative Kalman filter
- Wave-based control of underactuated and distributed systems
- Knowledge support of engineering design
prof. RNDr. Gejza Dohnal, CSc. (12101)
- Optimal maintenance models based on Bayesian methods
- Extreme value mixture models in change detection
prof. Ing. Zbyněk Šika, Ph.D. (12131)
- Advanced control methods for active and semi-active reduction of machine tools vibrations
- Advanced control methods for active and semi-active reduction of vehicle suspension vibrations
- Predictive control of flexible robotic structures
doc. Ing. Petr Kadera, Ph.D. (CIIRC in cooperation with 12137)
- Machine learning methods for quality control
- Product and production system co-design
- Methods for automation of distributed and reconfigurable industrial systems
Graduate careers
- Research and development in automatic control and industrial informatics.
- Design and introduction of new industrial technologies.
- Solving and leading interdisciplinary research and development tasks.
- Academic work and roles in scientific and research institutions.
Graduates are prepared to solve demanding research problems independently and transfer findings to practice. Opportunities include industrial research and academic institutions in the Czech Republic and internationally.
How to apply and ask a question
For current admission requirements and deadlines, consult the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Discuss programme-specific questions with the contact below.