Robosys Automation and the UK’s University of Strathclyde have signed a Knowledge Exchange Agreement to support a new project which will explore underwater object detection using neuromorphic sensing.
Robosys is collaborating with the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering (NAOME) and NSSP (Neuromorphic Sensor Signal Processing) lab from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE).
The company will fund the testing of the sensing technology for underwater object detection using novel technologies.
Project Goals & Challenges
The aim of the project is to develop the encoding mechanisms for multimodal data collected through neuromorphic sensors for underwater object detection.
Underwater object detection faces several challenges, including limited visibility of optical sensors caused by water turbidity and insufficient light penetration. Environmental factors such as tides, temperature fluctuations, and salinity further interfere with detection.
Additionally, the financial burden of specialized equipment and frequent maintenance adds to these difficulties.
University of Strathclyde Collaboration
The University of Strathclyde’s Dr Chaitanya Patil is leading the project. Dr Patil, Lecturer in Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering, is working closely with the EEE Department’s NSSP lab Research Director, Dr. Gaetano Di Caterina.
Dr Patil is a specialist in marine system intelligence with a particular focus on modeling and simulation across cutting-edge technologies.
Dr Patil’s current research around intelligent marine systems utilizing advanced machine-learning methodologies lead him to develop the project focused on Neuromorphic sensor fusion for underwater object detection (SENSE), which has been facilitated through EPSRC Grant reference EP/X525820/1.
Dr Patil approached Robosys to initiate a collaboration to help propel the research into neuromorphic systems. The company was selected due to its expertise in the field of maritime navigation autonomy, and background in vision systems and associated algorithm development.
Neuromorphic Systems
The emergence of neuromorphic systems has delivered new methodology to how traditional computation is performed in robotics.
Neuromorphic supported intelligence features brain-inspired efficiency, enabling robotics to swiftly and robustly learn and adapt to new scenarios and operations.
Following the culmination of the initial underwater object detection project, and as a reflection of its significance to the maritime and ocean technologies sectors, the project is set to be further developed by the University’s PhD Students and Researchers in subsequent years.
Aditya Nawab, Founder, CEO & CTO of Robosys Automation, commented, “We are delighted that Robosys Automation is collaborating with the University of Strathclyde in this exciting and ground-breaking project.
“As maritime industry innovators, the Robosys’ technical team continually explores novel methods of pushing the envelope. This project with the University demonstrates this, with change detection sensing working hand-in-hand with cooperative and competitive computation for perception and control, which will enable ever-increased learning and problem solving, being essential in the future of a safer, smarter and greener maritime.”
