[Sophia-Antipolis, 8th April 2025]
Underwater data collection systems and platforms are diverse: underwater drones, buoys, submerged hydrophones, sonars… Their technical capabilities also vary: operating depth, types of onboard sensors, computing power, transmission capacity… Moreover, each platform collects data in a different environment: geographical diversity, varied marine life, different acquisition depths…
To be generalizable, artificial intelligence algorithms must therefore, adapt to each carrier.
This technological development project aims to generalize the adaptation of neural networks across all underwater platforms. The two partners will work together to improve real-time detection of underwater anomalies. These new capabilities will address the growing needs of oceanographers and military forces for at-sea data collection and processing, with the goal of achieving greater seafloor transparency and better understanding of the underwater environment.
For example, thanks to the joint developments of the two companies, it will become more efficient to identify sounds of interest related to port approaches, characterize detected vessels, and enhance the protection of sensitive areas.
This project benefits from the RAPID program (Support Scheme for Dual Innovation), which funds dual-use innovation projects through the Defense Innovation Agency (AID). In this effort, the two expert companies, Ezako and Xpert, received support from the GIMNOTE naval innovation cluster. The RAPID project is technically overseen by experts from the French Directorate General of Armament – Naval Technologies, in collaboration with the French Navy.