Ubotica Technologies
Company typePrivate
IndustryArtificial intelligence, Aerospace
Founded2017
FoundersFintan Buckley, Aubrey Dunne, John Bourke
Area served
Worldwide
Website1

Ubotica Technologies is a privately held Irish company specializing in the development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for space and terrestrial applications. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Dublin, Ubotica is recognized for its expertise in deploying AI algorithms on edge devices, particularly within the challenging environment of space.

History

edit

Ubotica was established in 2017 by Fintan Buckley, Aubrey Dunne, and John Bourke. The company emerged from research conducted at Movidius and UCLM in Spain focusing on the application of AI technology in resource-constrained environments as part of the H2020 EoT (Eyes of Things) project. Ubotica's early work centered on developing efficient AI algorithms for embedded systems and the Internet of Things (IoT).

With a growing recognition of the potential for AI in space exploration and Earth observation, Ubotica shifted its focus to developing solutions for the aerospace sector. The company has since garnered significant attention for its contributions to on-board processing of satellite data using AI with 10 AI enabled satellite missions to date including the world's first AI-enabled satellite Phisat-1.

Technology

edit

Ubotica's core technology revolves around deploying AI algorithms on edge devices, enabling real-time processing and analysis of data without relying on constant communication with ground stations. This capability is particularly valuable in space applications where bandwidth limitations and latency can hinder traditional data processing methods.

Ubotica's key offerings include:

SPACE:AI: A software framework designed to facilitate the development and deployment of AI models on spacecraft. SPACE:AI addresses the unique challenges of the space environment, including limited computational resources, power constraints, and radiation tolerance. Edge:AI: A suite of hardware and software solutions for deploying AI on edge devices in various industries, including aerospace, manufacturing, and agriculture. Edge:AI enables real-time decision-making and automation at the point of data collection.

Applications

edit

Ubotica's technology has found applications in a range of areas, including:

Earth Observation: Ubotica's AI algorithms are used to analyze satellite imagery in real-time, enabling rapid detection of events such as deforestation, natural disasters, and changes in land use. Space Exploration: On-board AI processing can enhance the autonomy of spacecraft, enabling them to make intelligent decisions and adapt to unforeseen circumstances without human intervention. Precision Agriculture: Ubotica's Edge:AI solutions can be deployed on drones and farm equipment to monitor crop health, optimize irrigation, and detect pests and diseases.

Partnerships and Collaborations

edit

Ubotica actively collaborates with various organizations in the aerospace and AI sectors. The company has partnerships with the European Space Agency (ESA), Intel, and several leading satellite manufacturers. Ubotica has also received funding from the European Commission to support its research and development efforts.

Recognition

edit

Ubotica has received recognition for its innovative technology and contributions to the field of AI in space. The company has been featured in prominent media outlets such as the BBC, Forbes, and The Irish Times. Ubotica has also received awards for its technology, including the "AI Innovation of the Year" award at the 2020 Tech Excellence Awards.

References

edit

Ubotica Technologies website ESA - First Earth observation satellite with AI ready for launch

edit

Ubotica Technologies on LinkedIn [[invalid URL removed] Ubotica Technologies on Twitter]