Cognitive radar, when radar meets AI
Aresys: “With Artificial Intelligence, Radars Process Data Directly Onboard”
Aresys integrates AI and radar technologies to monitor the planet in real time. A revolution that bridges academic research and industrial innovation, as CEO Davide D’Aria explains in this interview.
Today, Earth observation through radars, satellites, and space technologies plays a critical role in environmental monitoring and natural resource management. Founded in 2023 as a spin-off of the Politecnico di Milano, Aresys specializes in the development of advanced radar sensors and innovative software for satellite image processing.
On the sidelines of the 2024 International Astronautical Congress (IAC) held in Milan, Innovation Hero met with Aresys CEO Davide D’Aria, who shared the company’s future projects, highlighting in particular the significance of artificial intelligence in the space sector.
What Makes Aresys Unique?
Aresys focuses on developing technologies for Earth observation using an advanced system called Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). This specific type of sensor, mounted on orbiting satellites, provides high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface, delivering valuable data for various applications, including natural resource management, environmental monitoring, and emergency response.
Our company is involved in developing these sensors for small satellites, such as cubesats and microsatellites, as well as creating specialized software for image processing. These technologies not only enhance the quality of the collected information but also enable real-time data acquisition, significantly boosting the effectiveness of operations across multiple fields.
What Projects Did You Present at IAC 2024?
At the IAC, we highlighted the performance of the radar instrument developed for the “Saturn” mission. This mission marks an innovative leap in Earth observation, thanks to the launch of a small constellation of radar microsatellites funded by the Italian Space Agency.
The “Saturn” microsatellites are designed to operate synergistically, creating a detection network capable of delivering detailed data over vast areas efficiently and promptly. We are excited to showcase how this technology not only raises Earth observation standards but also unlocks new opportunities for commercial and scientific applications in the space sector.
What Role Does Artificial Intelligence Play in Your Operations?
Artificial intelligence has revolutionized many sectors, including space. In modern radar systems, we are witnessing a significant transformation: radars are becoming “smart” and capable of processing data directly onboard. This capability allows for real-time extraction of useful information and autonomous adaptation to varying environmental conditions.
We refer to these as ‘cognitive radars,’ embodying our vision of autonomous systems that enhance operational efficiency and the quality of collected data. AI implementation not only optimizes detection processes but also reduces the workload for operators, enabling them to focus on more strategic analysis and interpretation.
Aresys Was Founded as a Spin-off of Politecnico di Milano. How Can Academia and Industry Interact?
Although Aresys is now entirely privately owned, the connection with Politecnico di Milano remains strong and essential. This interaction is crucial for our development, as academia keeps us at the forefront of the latest innovations and breakthroughs in space technology.
Collaboration with universities extends beyond research. We actively support opportunities for undergraduate theses and doctoral projects, creating a fertile environment for nurturing emerging talent. Additionally, these ties allow us to quickly integrate cutting-edge research and technologies into our projects, keeping Aresys competitive in a rapidly evolving sector.
What Professional Profiles and Skills Does Your Company Seek?
Currently, Aresys is particularly looking for electronic and software engineers with experience in the space sector. We seek professionals who not only possess strong technical skills but also thrive in a dynamic and continuously evolving environment.
We are also recruiting project managers capable of overseeing the entire lifecycle of complex projects, ensuring each phase is successfully completed on time. At Aresys, we value continuous learning and teamwork, as we believe collaboration between experts from various disciplines is essential for addressing challenges in the space sector and driving continuous innovation.
Original version on Innovation Hero: https://innovationhero.it/2024/11/26/aresys-intelligenza-artificiale-radar/