MBZUAI researchers presented "TransRadar," a study at WACV proposing new uses for radar in object identification. The study, led by Yahia Dalbah, explores fusing radar with other technologies to identify objects, particularly for autonomous vehicles. The "TransRadar" approach uses an adaptive-directional transformer for real-time multi-view radar semantic segmentation. Why it matters: This research addresses the limitations of radar by enhancing its object recognition capabilities, potentially improving the reliability of autonomous systems in adverse conditions.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has developed a drone-based Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system capable of detecting underground water leaks at depths of up to 40 meters. The system uses P-, L-, and C-band radar signals to identify anomalies in soil moisture and subsurface disturbances. The SAR technology was previously validated for archaeology and infrastructure and is now optimized for sandy environments. Why it matters: This innovation offers a more efficient and sustainable method for monitoring infrastructure, reducing water loss and maintenance costs for utilities across the region.
A team led by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has developed NATHR-G1, a ground penetrating radar for detecting landmines and unexploded ordnance. The project, involving researchers from Colombia, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland, builds on earlier work using radar to detect buried objects. NATHR-G1 incorporates machine learning for advanced signal processing and object identification. Why it matters: This humanitarian application of AI and robotics based in the UAE could significantly reduce casualties from landmines and other explosive remnants of war.
TII's DERC, in partnership with Brazilian firm RADAZ, has obtained the first microwave images from their joint project on Airborne Multi-band Interferometric Microwave Imaging (A(MI)2) in Abu Dhabi. The project uses a new multiband Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) operating in P, L, and C frequency bands to generate terrain images. The system, which can be mounted on commercial drones, also integrates Ground Penetrating Radar capability to detect buried objects. Why it matters: This technology enhances remote sensing capabilities in the region, enabling applications in agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, and search and rescue operations.
TII's Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) has announced partnerships with Ruhr University Bochum, Helmut Schmidt University, University Clermont Auvergne, and National University of Colombia, Bogota. The collaborations aim to advance research in directed energy sub-disciplines, including radar systems, lightning protection, and high-power electromagnetics. These partnerships will involve research on ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and numerical/statistical methods. Why it matters: This international collaboration strengthens the UAE's position as a hub for advanced technology research and development, particularly in the strategic area of directed energy systems.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed an AI system that can identify objects hidden by camouflage. The AI uses a convolutional neural network trained on synthetic data to detect partially occluded objects. The system outperformed existing object detection methods in tests on real-world images. Why it matters: The work demonstrates potential applications of AI in defense, security, and search and rescue operations in the Middle East and elsewhere.