In the dynamic realm of technological innovation, especially in the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning, staying ahead of the curve is vital for businesses to thrive. This is particularly true in specialised sectors like sonar data analysis and automatic target recognition (ATR), where cutting-edge technology is not just a luxury but a necessity.
At Aksiio, we understand these challenges and specialise in AI/ML, Computer Vision, and sensor technologies. With over a decade of experience in R&D and software development, our team is adept at addressing complex, niche problems. Our latest project in ATR using sonar data, detailed in this article, showcases our expertise and innovative approach.
Project Overview: Customisable ATR System Using Sonar Data
The challenge of ATR in marine environments is significant due to the unique properties of underwater acoustics and the complexities involved in interpreting sonar data. This project aimed to develop an advanced ATR system capable of accurately identifying and classifying underwater objects using sonar data.
Client-Driven Data Annotation and Model Training
The primary objective of this project was to develop an ATR system that not only accurately identifies and classifies underwater targets using sonar data but also offers clients the unique ability to annotate their datasets with specific objects of interest, train their custom neural network models on their own PC, and use AI models on the new unseen data. Moreover, a client has an opportunity to tune parameters on each step. This customisation aspect was crucial, considering our client’s diverse needs and operational environments.
We designed the system to handle and manipulate datasets and models efficiently, which involves dataset merging and model retraining. This bespoke training approach meant that each deployment of the ATR system was uniquely adapted to the client’s operational environment and requirements.
Deployment Challenges and Solutions for Marine Environments
A unique aspect of this project was the deployment environment. Many clients of the ATR system operate directly from maritime vessels and prefer to keep sensitive information private over the Internet due to data confidentiality, which presents specific challenges and limitations for deploying the ATR system. The constraints of marine deployment included limited bandwidth, data security, and variable internet connectivity.
To address these challenges, our team focused on a standalone approach and optimising the ATR system for low-bandwidth environments, ensuring that the system could function effectively with intermittent internet connectivity.
This project exemplifies Aksiio’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge, client-centric solutions in specialised technology domains, driving innovation in the field of AI/ML and sensor technology.