Events

May 7 - May 13, 2023

The need for robotics and automatization to meet our global coral restoration goals

Dr. Sebastian Schmidt-Roach, BESE/Red Sea Research Center, KAUST

May 10, 17:15 - 17:45

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Marine Robotics Factory Automation planning Scheduling and Coordination

Abstract Coral reefs are vital to a vast number of human livelihoods depending on them for fisheries, tourism and coastal protection. Facing dramatic global declines in coral cover and reef habitat degradation due to climate change and other anthropogenic impacts, coral reef restoration has become imperative to maintain their ecosystem services. In the Kunming-Montreal biodiversity framework the international community set ambitious goals, such as restoring, or being on the way to restore, 30% of degraded habitats by 2030. However, meeting these goals is currently constrained by the high
The UK National Centre for Coastal Autonomy (NCCA) – A centre of excellence for coastal marine autonomy

Dr. Matthew Palmer, Head of Science - Digital Innovation & Marine Autonomy, Plymouth Marine Laboratory

May 10, 16:45 - 17:15

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Coastal Ocean Ocean Observing Systems Marine Autonomy Digital Technology

Abstract The recently launched NCCA aims to deliver world-leading capability in the pursuit of coastal oceanography using marine autonomy and digital technologies. It will combine state-of-the-art vehicles and platforms, sophisticated scientific buoys, a unique high-speed marine communications network and AI capability to deliver the next generation coastal ocean observing system. The NCCA partnership will deliver high resolution and trustworthy data to enable policy relevant science that enables good stewardship of our coastal ocean environment. It also provides a testbed for emerging
Optical wireless communication for underwater internet of things

Boon Ooi, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering

May 10, 16:15 - 16:45

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Sensor networks Omnidirectional Vision Product Design Development and Prototyping Range Sensing Surveillance Systems

Abstract Underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) has attracted increasing interest in various underwater activities because of its order-of-magnitude higher bandwidth compared to acoustic and radio-frequency technologies. Testbeds and pre-aligned UWOC links were constructed for physical layer evaluation, which verified that UWOC systems can operate at tens of gigabits per second or close to a hundred meters of distance. This hold promises for realizing a globally connected Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT). However, due to the fundamental complexity of the ocean water environment
Marine Autonomy: Research and Applications

Prof. Sanjay Sharma, Associate Professor (Reader) in Intelligent Autonomous Control Systems, School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, University of Plymouth

May 10, 15:30 - 16:00

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

artificial intelligence Advanced control systems engineering Multi-sensor data fusion Integrated navigation systems Application of AI techniques to the navigation guidance

Abstract Marine autonomy does not have as many constraints as there are on land but there are still challenges that need to be overcome to make the most of current and future opportunities. My talk will concentrate on the research works done in the marine autonomous systems research group at Plymouth where the focus of the research group has been towards application of AI techniques to the navigation, guidance and control of autonomous marine vehicles. The talk will also discuss future challenges in the marine autonomy areas and their likely solutions. Biography Dr Sanjay Sharma, Associate
Estimation and control of underwater optical wireless communication systems

May 10, 15:00 - 15:30

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Marine Robotics Localization Optimization and Optimal Control Distributed Robot Systems Networked Robots

Abstract Underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC) technologies are essential for the growth of future underwater communication applications. As the demand for capacity increases, UOWC is considered an emerging alternative technology in the underwater communication area. However, maintaining a controlled line-of-sight link between transmitter and receiver is a significant challenge because the alignment angle required for trajectory tracking control is not directly measured and has to be estimated. In this talk, I will present our recent works on estimating the alignment angle between
Situational Awareness System for Autonomous Surface Vehicles

Dr. Hyun Taek Choi, Advanced intelligent Ship Research Division, Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering

May 10, 14:30 - 15:00

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Situational Awareness System Multi-object Tracking Deep-learning based detection Sensor Fusion Autonomous Surface Vehicle

Abstract Recent advancements in robotics algorithms have been made possible by combining probabilistic-based methods with various artificial intelligence technologies. With the support of hardware technologies such as computing power and batteries, autonomous mobility technology has been rapidly advancing across all fields, including land, air, and sea. While marine robots have been somewhat slower to adopt these technologies due to the wide area, various ocean environmental conditions, and their unique characteristics, they have achieved significant advancements in recent years. This
Robotic applications in Coral Restoration

May 10, 14:00 - 14:30

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Abstract Abstract text. Brief Biography Bio text.
Snorkeling & Diving Trip [by invitation only]

May 10, 08:00 - 12:00

TBD

Free Time

Snorkeling and Diving Trip
Gala event: Poster session / Exhibition / Contest winners announcement

May 9, 17:00 - 19:00

B3 L2

Poster Sessions

The RobotoKAUST Conference will host a public event, the RobotoKAUST Gala Event, on May 9, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. in Building 3, Lobby area (desert side), Level 2. The Gala Event will include: A Poster Session A TKS-KG Projects Exhibition Short Story, Comics & Video Contest winners announcement For the Short Story, Video, and Comics Contest organized during #RobotoKAUST 2023, following last year’s format, the best works will be showcased during the RobotoKAUST Exhibit. The winners will be announced during the RobotoKAUST Gala Event. The winning stories will be turned into video animations. The
PROTEUS™: A new undersea laboratory serving aquanauts, marine robotics, and sensor networks

Lisa Truitt and Prof. Mark Patterson, Proteus Ocean Group and Marine Science Center, Northeastern University

May 9, 16:15 - 16:45

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Abstract PROTEUS™ is a new underwater laboratory conceived by Fabien Cousteau, underwater explorer, conservationist, and aquanaut. Dubbed the International Space Station of the World Ocean, PROTEUS™ allows larger teams to have continuous presence on the seafloor for periods of months. The laboratory will feature sophisticated wet and dry labs, a broadcast studio for education and collaboration, and will be connected to a distributed network of robots and sensors. The first PROTEUS™ will be located at the edge of the mesophotic zone on a coral reef in Curaçao, Dutch Antilles. Future stations
Smart Agricultural Robotics for Monitoring Coral Reefs and Plants: A vertical farming perspective

Prof. Rafiq Ahmad, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta

May 9, 15:45 - 16:15

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Agricultural Automation Computer Vision for Automation Field Robots Industrial Robots Robotics in Agriculture and Forestry

Abstract Aquaponics is a vertical farming technique and an integrated production of fish and hydroponic crops with recirculation of the aquaculture effluent used by the plant as fertilizer. This technique offers high water efficiency, a faster growth rate, and high crop yields. Despite all the advantages offered by this technology, its implementation on a commercial scale is hindered by many technical and economic factors, which can be addressed by integrating smart technologies, automation, and control. Together with the landmark technologies of Industry 4.0, such as robotics, artificial
Farms of the Future for Saudi Arabia: Lessons from the US Mid-West

Prof. Girish Chowdhary, Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign; co-founder and CTO, EarthSense, Inc.

May 9, 15:15 - 15:45

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Abstract In this talk I will lay out a vision for how advances in Digital Agriculture could enable prosperous and productive farming for the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Taking the NIFA Farm of the Future at Illinois as a case study, I will lay out technologies that could enable economies of scale for productive agriculture in the desert. Our team has been at the forefront of leading technological innovation in agricultural robotics in the US MidWest. I will describe technologies such as under-canopy phenotyping, cover-crop planting with robotics for regenerating farm land, plant manipulation with
Optimal Design of Agricultural Walking Robot

Prof. Sayat Ibrayev, Institute of Mechanics and Engineering

May 9, 14:45 - 15:15

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Mechanism Design of Mobile Robots Agricultural Automation Multilegged Robots Robotics in Agriculture and Forestry Industrial Robots

Abstract Legged machines that can adapt to off-road conditions and irregular terrain, have a number of advantages over traditional wheeled and tracked vehicles. In particular, in agriculture, they cause the least damage to the soil, in comparison with wheeled and tracked vehicles, due to the discrete track on the ground. Meanwhile, attaining to increase productivity of agricultural machines leads to an increase of machine weight that cause increased soil pressure and unfavorable conditions for plant growth. Various designing concepts of legged robots have been proposed by research teams by now
Predicting when introduction of robotics in agricultural leads to whole-system changes

Clay Thomas Mitchell, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Fall Line Capital

May 9, 14:15 - 14:45

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Spray drones marginal cost double-cropping option value

Abstract Automation in arable farming is useful for reducing labor requirements (specialty crops) and for increased efficiency of major resources of land, water, fertilizer, and fuel (broadacre crops). In some cases, automation has high market penetration, but has little effect on the farming system beyond the tools it replaced. In other cases, automation leads to complete changes in the cropping system, leaving few inputs and outputs unaffected. In this talk, we explore both ground-based and aerial robotics in agriculture and develop a framework, using the Buckingham Pi Theorem, for
Robotic Customized Medicine for Corals

Raquel Peixoto, Associate Professor, Marine Science

May 9, 12:15 - 12:45

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Marine Robotics

Abstract Most microbiomes of marine ecosystems and marine organisms are being impacted by anthropogenic action and can no longer be considered pristine. These microbiomes are usually enriched with pathogens, especially in areas in need of restoration, and constitute one of the key points to be considered for conservation purposes. Here, I will show how corals respond to the probiotic application in field trials, the robotic improvements we have been testing for the automated inoculation, and whether non-target hosts (e.g., sponges, fish, and algae) can also be affected by such microbial
Robotics and Automation in Coral Monitoring and Restoration

Shinkyu Park, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering

May 9, 11:45 - 12:15

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Marine Robotics Manipulation Planning Autonomous Vehicle Navigation planning Scheduling and Coordination

Abstract Monitoring and preservation of coral reefs are critical for marine biology research, economic development, and environmental protection. Given that long-term survey of marine environments and restoring bleached coral reefs are extremely labor-intensive, autonomous robots are emerging as one of the key solutions to address such challenge. In this talk, we present on-going projects at KAUST Robotics group in conceiving autonomous underwater robots for swift and safe navigation in complex environments to collect high-resolution coral images. We also discuss challenges and opportunities
Challenges in Coral Reef Research and Conservation: Robotics and Autonomous Sampling to the Rescue?

Prof. Adrienne M. S. Correa, BioSciences, Rice University

May 9, 11:15 - 11:45

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

fish microorganism probiotics sampling restoration

Abstract Coral reef ecosystems contribute ~$30 billion USD annually to the global economy and harbor 1/4 of all known marine species. However, human activities have driven the loss of 50% of the world’s reefs over the last 30 years, and 90% of remaining reefs are predicted to be threatened by 2030. Thus, there is an urgent need for human interventions to support reef resilience to warming seas, overharvesting and pollution. Various studies have documented the influence of microbial symbionts on host physiology, demonstrated that some hosts are relatively mutable in the symbionts they harbor
From vehicles to teams in maritime operations

Prof. João Tasso de Figueiredo Borges de Sousa, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Porto University

May 9, 10:45 - 11:15

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Maritime vehicles; teams; modelling control computation

Abstract “In his 1999 book The Age of Spiritual Machines, Ray Kurzweil proposed "The Law of Accelerating Returns", according to which the rate of change in a wide variety of evolutionary systems (including but not limited to the growth of technologies) tends to increase exponentially”. Ray Kurzweil, The Age of Spiritual Machines, Viking, 1999, Currently, underwater, surface, aerial, and space robotic vehicles are already providing unprecedented capabilities with a significant impact in maritime operations. But this is just the beginning. Initial progress in the field of uncrewed maritime
Harnessing the potential for robotics and automation for restoring the worlds coral reefs

Prof. David Suggett, KAUST Reefscape Restoration initiative (KRRI), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

May 9, 10:15 - 10:45

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Marine Robotics Aerial Robotics Autonomous Vehicle Navigation Agricultural Automation Factory Automation

Abstract Restoration of Earth's ecosystems has accelerated as a critical management tool in the past decade, particularly for coral reefs where stakeholders have adopted restoration to offset continued declines in reef health. Most coral reef restoration programs remain locally targeted and sub-hectare, where scalability is generated through people networks. Of the few programs that are now beginning to operate at the largest multi-hectare scales - including the KAUST Reefscape Restoration Initiative (KRRI) - implementation of innovative robotics and automation is seen as key to deliver more
Semi-autonomous systems enable advances in Earth Observation

Matthew McCabe, Professor, Environmental Science and Engineering

May 9, 09:30 - 10:00

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Agricultural Automation Field Robots Mapping Sensor Fusion Object detection segmentation

Abstract The description and characterization of the Earth system is a field that routinely leverages technological advances to improve our understanding of diverse ecosystems. One of the most promising areas of application is the use of autonomous and semi-autonomous platforms in precision agriculture. Such systems are capable of performing data collection, analysis, and decision-making tasks with minimal human intervention. The Hydrology, Agriculture, and Land Observation (HALO) laboratory at KAUST is at the forefront of this technology, employing a combination of satellites, UAVs and most
Flying LoRA IoT Gateway for Agricultural Applications

Prof. Samsuzana Abd Aziz, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia

May 9, 09:00 - 09:30

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

UAV LoRAWAN IoT flying getaway smart agriculture

Abstract Low-Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies like LoRa have become prominent for IoT deployments in large agricultural areas due to their low-power and long-range transmission. However, data transmission in large farms with diverse landscapes suffers from obstructions or occlusions, and wired gateways are still difficult to cover the whole agricultural areas without proper network or power infrastructures. This study integrates LoRa gateways with a flying drone to enhance the connectivity to sensor nodes deployed in an oil palm plantation. The LoRa gateway was mounted on a multi
New Zealand Robotics, Automation and Sensing (NZRAS) Roadmap and Horticulture Robotics

Dr. Shen Hin Lim, School of Engineering, University of Waikato

May 9, 08:30 - 09:00

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

horticulture robotics smart end-effectors roadmap robotic field trials

Abstract Technological advancements have been an important asset in New Zealand. New Zealand Robotics, Automation and Sensing (NZRAS) is a group that embodies a network of researchers, engineers, technologists and students in the robotics, automation and sensing (RAS) space in New Zealand and has developed a roadmap to firstly showed the RAS state in New Zealand with recommendations to facilitate technological growth in New Zealand. One of the most compelling RAS growths within New Zealand is our capability in horticulture robotics. This talk will provide an overview of the NZRAS roadmap and
Bioinspired Subsea Robots and Underwater Networks

Dr. Rudolf Bannasch, Managing Director (and co-founder), EvoLogics GmbH

May 8, 18:15 - 18:45

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Underwater communication and positioning subsea networks smart robots swarm collaboration artificial intelligence

Abstract Advanced subsea robots and monitoring networks have become increasingly important for subsea exploration, environmental observation, industrial control, and maritime security. These systems face challenges ranging from shallow water to deep-sea applications. To overcome these challenges, engineers can draw inspiration from nature. Studies on the bio-sonar of dolphins provide a clue for reliable underwater communication and positioning, which is the basis for modern subsea networks and collaborative underwater robots. Pressure-resistant electronic design enables devices to operate at
Autonomous marine mapping, current situation and future possibilities

Frank Mallon, Director, Marine and Archaeology, Shamal Technologies

May 8, 17:45 - 18:15

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Marine Robotics Aerial Robotics Autonomous Vehicle Navigation Mapping Search and Rescue Robots

Abstract In the last decade marine robotics and autonomous research has started to grow in the Red Sea, led by KAUST researchers, marine startup companies and now with the various new Giga Projects. In the early days this work often had a heavy human component for the launch, recovery and control. New emerging technologies for remotely telemetry are helping to solve this, as are combined autonomous survey solutions. Using multiple autonomous systems, on the sea surface, underwater and airborne in a single survey campaign is proving to be extremely efficient with significantly more data being
Underwater Robot for Shallow Water Pipeline Inspection & Monitoring

Hassane Trigui, Research & Development Center, Aramco

May 8, 17:15 - 17:45

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Marine Robotics Autonomous Vehicle Navigation Robotics in Hazardous Fields Field Robots Motion Control of Manipulators

Abstract Remotely operated Vehicles (ROVs) are widely used in deep water to perform various types of activities in the Oil and Gas sector and beyond. However, for extreme shallow waters, that is less than 10 meters in depth, the ROV market is severely underserved. In addition, ROV operations in shallow waters are more challenging than deeper waters due to the difficulty in accessing shallow sites with large vessels that can support divers and ROVs in their operations. Robotics Engineers from Aramco have developed a unique underwater robot specifically designed to operate in shallow waters area
From ROV's to Smart Reefs: CMR's Journey supporting Marine Research

Andres Espinoza, CMR Core Lab, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

May 8, 16:45 - 17:15

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Marine Robotics Object detection Visual Tracking

Abstract This presentation explores the contributions, future capabilities, and advocacy of the KAUST CMR Core Lab in supporting marine research activities in the Red Sea since 2008 and into the future. The CMR team has employed a variety of technologies to collect data and samples from the seabed and water column using various tools and robots. The use of ROVs has enabled the collection of deep-sea corals, exploration of hydrothermal areas, and observation of brine pools. AUVs and USVs, such as the Seaglider, Ocean Aero's Triton, and the Otter from Maritime Robotics, have been utilized for
Deep benthic environments: an endless (but stimulating) challenge for marine robotics

Dr. Fabio Marchese, Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

May 8, 16:00 - 16:30

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Marine Robotics Field Robots Autonomous Vehicle Navigation Mapping

Abstract In the past 50 years, marine robotics had a huge impact on marine sciences, providing countless support tools for a better understanding of the benthic environments. The endless need for a higher level of resolution in our maps, the application of specific protocols for monitoring programs, measuring the different components of the water column, and collecting the smallest or most delicate biological samples have pushed the technology always over its limits. Finally, the introduction of AI in acoustic and underwater video technologies is bringing now the analyses to a higher level of
Scaling up reef ecosystem monitoring using underwater robots

Dr. Yogesh Girdhar, Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

May 8, 15:30 - 16:00

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

machine learning animal tracking substrate characterization

Abstract The current approach to exploring and monitoring complex underwater ecosystems, such as coral reefs, is to conduct surveys using diver-held or static cameras, or deploying sensor buoys. These approaches often fail to capture the full variation and complexity of interactions between different reef organisms and their habitat. The CUREE AUV platform provides a unique set of capabilities in the form of robot behaviors and perception algorithms to enable scientists to explore different aspects of an ecosystem. Examples of these capabilities include low-altitude visual surveys, soundscape
Remanent Imaging, a novel concept for imaging aquatic organisms

Dr. Pierre R. Martineau, founder and CEO, Martineau & Associates, Inc.

May 8, 15:00 - 15:30

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Abstract I will present Remanent Imaging ("RI"), an innovative method to record the movement of aquatic organisms, both transparent and opaque. It is currently used to monitor and analyze the behavior of zebrafish—a ubiquitous animal model in medical research—which are transparent in the larval stage. Standard video captures sequences of sharp, briefly exposed snapshots free of motion blur, at a frame rate that directly constrains time resolution. By contrast, RI records sequences of long exposure images back-to-back to capture motion blur continuously from frame-to-frame. Movement
Neuromorphic Computing Architectures for Robot Vision in Marine Harsh Environments

Prof. Jorge Dias, Center for Autonomous Robotic Systems, Khalifa University

May 8, 14:30 - 15:00

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Marine Robotics Computer Vision for Other Robotic Applications Cognitive Human-Robot Interaction Visual Servoing Sensor-based Control

Abstract The design of robots that interact autonomously with the environment and exhibit complex behaviors is an open challenge that can benefit from understanding what makes living beings fit to act in the world. Neuromorphic engineering studies neural computational principles to develop technologies that can provide a computing substrate for building compact and low-power processing systems. In this talk shows why the robots with neuromorphic technologies - from perception to motor control - represents a promising approach for the creation of robots which can be more intelligent and
At the Limits of the Red Sea - challenges of deep marine sciences

Prof. Froukje M. van der Zwan, Physical Science and Engineering, Earth Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

May 8, 14:00 - 14:30

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Autonomous Vehicle Navigation Field Robots Marine Robotics

Abstract The Red Sea is a unique marine environment where we can study the formation of a new ocean basin, which is host to rare ecosystems due to its young and enclosed character and special environmental conditions. The deep Red Sea Rift is particularly interesting as the new oceanic crust is formed by volcanic activity along the entire basin, which, together with hydrothermal activity and the occurrence of brine pools, provides unique habitats. The Red Sea Rift is >1,000 m deep, far past the limits of scuba diving, and reaches almost 3,000 m in some areas. Salinity is >40 PSU, and the
Exploring the Blue Frontier with Cooperative Marine Robots

Prof. Antonio M. Pascoal, Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR), IST / University of Lisbon

May 8, 12:00 - 12:30

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Marine Robotics Networked Robots Field Robots Formal Methods for Robotics Telerobotics and Teleoperation

Abstract The last decade has witnessed tremendous progress in the development of marine technologies that are steadily affording scientists advanced equipment and methods for ocean exploration and exploitation. Recent advances in marine robotics, sensors, computers, communications, and information systems are being applied to the development of sophisticated technologies that will lead to safer, faster, and far more efficient ways of exploring the ocean frontier, especially in hazardous conditions. As part of this trend, there has been a surge of interest worldwide in the development of
Developing Marine Robotics for the Western Indian Ocean - Needs, designs and applications

Prof. Michael Roberts, UK-SA Bilateral Research Chair: Ocean Science & Marine Food Security, Nelson Mandela University and University of Southampton

May 8, 11:30 - 12:00

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Marine Robotics Autonomous Vehicle Navigation Field Robots Calibration and Identification

Abstract The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) is one of the fastest warming parts of the global ocean. There is no doubt that this is due to Climate Change. Model projections indicate Sea Surface Temperature (SST) in the tropical WIO will rise some 5°C by 2100 with drastic destructive changes in the marine ecosystems and fisheries, impacting food security for the 60 M people who are dependent on this ocean. Inland droughts will accentuate this problem. By 2035 emergency food relief will be need in Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Comoros, and Somalia (already happening). Emergency mitigation
Intelligent swarm underwater robotics for coastal and shallow water applications

Prof. Mohd Rizal Bin Arshad, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

May 8, 11:00 - 11:30

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Underwater robotics Swarm Robots intelligent systems Robust Environment

Abstract The underwater or marine environment has always been a challenging environment for robots due to the difficulties that arise when placing a robot such robust and dynamic condition. However, recent advancements in technology have seen the use of a swarm of robots that are affordable but yet are of better quality than traditional robots in certain applications. This shift has opened up new possibilities for exploring the underwater world. Intelligent swarm underwater robotics is an emerging topic that has gained significant attention in recent years. The use of swarm robotics has been
Frontiers in Marine Research Robotics

Burton Jones, Professor, Marine Science

May 8, 10:30 - 11:00

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Marine Robotics Collision Avoidance Autonomous Vehicle Navigation Distributed Robot Systems Networked Robots

Abstract Marine robotics have evolved substantially since the early days of autonomous underwater vehicles which meant a multimillion-dollar vehicle always accompanied by a surface vehicle. An early step forward in scientific vehicles was the development of the buoyancy-driven autonomous underwater vehicles which could stay at sea for months and traverse large distances and depths down to 1000m, albeit slowly. Critical needs exist for vehicles that can map, image and characterize the sea bottom, and for intelligent fleet management schemes. The mesophotic (below diver accessible depths) and
The future of coral reef monitoring

Michael Berumen, Professor, Marine Science

May 8, 09:45 - 10:15

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Marine Robotics Mapping SLAM Computer Vision for Automation Distributed Robot Systems

Abstract Saudi Arabia is undertaking an unprecedented development along its Red Sea coast, including launching multiple "GigaProjects", with ambitions to be a major ecotourism destination. At the same time, the country has committed to the highest levels of protection for the natural environment and 'regenerative tourism' approaches that will improve the quality of the targeted habitats. Of particular focus are the Kingdom's numerous coral reefs, renowned for their biodiversity. Traditional approaches for monitoring the health of coral reefs are difficult to scale up sufficiently to meet the
Autonomous platform systems for underwater exploration: Light for the sea, adventures for the robots!

Prof. Toshihiro Maki, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo

May 8, 09:15 - 09:45

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Underwater robotics ASV Navigation Observation

Abstract Autonomous marine platforms such as Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs) have a large potential to realize much more efficient ocean observation compared with ship based methodology. Our group pursue the possibility of such autonomous systems by means of the latest robotics, information processing technologies, artificial intelligence, and sensing technologies. These systems will realize wide-area, high-accuracy, and long-term observation through collaboration of multiple autonomous agents such as AUVs. In this talk, some of our latest
KAUST Reefscape Restoration Initiative

Dr. Maram Abadi, KAUST Reefscape Restoration Initiative, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

May 8, 08:45 - 09:15

B18 Fellowship Hall

Featured Sessions

Marine Robotics Visual Tracking Biologically-inspired Robots Virtual Reality and Interfaces Computer Vision for Automation

Abstract KAUST Reefscape Restoration Initiative is the world's largest coral reef restoration initiative. The initiative will begin with a 100-hectare reef restoration project at Shushah Island in the Red Sea. This will be a global demonstration of coral restoration that integrates innovative, in-Saudi Arabia, and internationally developed technologies, pioneering propagation, planting, and monitoring approaches, and international expertise to accelerate solutions for reef ecosystems at a time of unprecedented environmental change. The effort will be a mix of coral conservation protection
Opening Remarks - Professor Eric Feron

Eric Feron, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering

May 8, 08:30 - 08:45

B18 Fellowship Hall

Opening Remarks by Prof. Eric Feron.
Opening Remarks - Professor Gianluca Setti

Gianluca Setti, Dean, Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering

May 8, 08:30 - 08:45

B18 Fellowship Hall

Opening Remarks By Prof. Gianluca Setti.

Feb 27 - Mar 5, 2022