Mitsubishi Unveils New AI-Powered Satellite System To Track Ship Evasion

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has developed a unique satellite technology to track vessels operating illegally, also known as the “dark fleet.”

This cutting-edge system uses artificial intelligence to improve maritime monitoring and response to illegal activities at sea.

The newly developed device, known as AIRIS (Artificial Intelligence Retraining In Space), combines an Earth-observation camera with an AI-powered data processor.

Unlike usual satellite systems that send vast amounts of data back to Earth for analysis, AIRIS examines images on board.

It detects target objects, such as vessels that do not use Automatic Identification System (AIS), and sends only essential information, considerably improving data management.

AIRIS, which is set to begin trials with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) next year, aims to combat illegal fishing and improve maritime security.

The technology could transform how authorities track elusive vessels that try to avoid detection by turning off or falsifying their AIS signals.

These actions have made it difficult for maritime security analysts, who often rely on high-resolution satellite images to detect suspicious activity.

Earlier, satellite monitoring necessitated time-consuming operations that required data to be delivered to ground stations for examination.

This method can cause data loss, particularly if ground stations are out of range. MHI’s new method employs AI onboard to analyze satellite images in real-time.

The method saves bandwidth and prioritizes crucial data by focusing on areas where risks may exist.

The purpose of AIRIS is to speed up the detection of suspicious maritime activity, allowing for faster responses to illegal activities.

The technology aims to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which costs the global economy over $20 billion annually.

The AI model on AIRIS can be continuously updated, allowing it to adapt to new applications like tracking rogue aircraft or vehicles.

Reference: Shipping Herald

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