Advancing Scientific Exploration with AI-Powered Sensing and Robotics

Scientific exploration is rapidly evolving, with an emphasis on data collection methods that offer real-time, precise insights derived from field surveys at scale. This talk will discuss AI-powered sensing devices and robotic platforms that operate in various physical environments. We will examine the diverse range of edge AI algorithms developed to optimally utilize the underlying compute and sensing hardware, capabilities of which can vary by 6 orders of magnitude depending on the use-case. Through case-studies, including scalable coastal marine surveys for blue carbon accounting, we will illustrate how these technologies enhance the scalability, accuracy, and timeliness of data collection and scientific insight formulation. The presentation will also touch on generative AI models that improve user interaction with advanced technology. Tools based on advanced sensing, robotics, and AI are poised to become essential components of the future scientific toolkit.