Development of computer vision for orbits

Luleå University of Technology's researchers in Robotics and AI have started a collaboration with the Luleå company Vimotek with the goal of developing AI algorithms for computer vision that will improve the control of satellites in orbit.

Avoid collision

George Nikolakopoulos, Professor of Robotics and AI at Luleå University of Technology says:
- The purpose of the collaboration is to develop AI algorithms for computer vision that will improve the control of satellites in orbit based on the camera products now being developed by Vimotek. It is about realizing vision technology in space missions that include high levels of interactions, either in the form of maneuvering or grasping.

Vimotek is a start-up company that develops systems for small and nano-satellites and smart cameras with sensor fusion and computer vision software. These enable robotic control of the satellites to avoid collision with obstacles such as debris and docking maneuvers. These high-tech vision systems for orbital operations are focused on the navigation of satellites and are based on visible, thermal imaging, along with real-time image processing and edge AI. 

Autonomous robotic operations

Anatoliy Valentirov, CEO and Founder of Vimotek, says:
– The cooperation with Luleå University of Technology is a major step forward towards building new capabilities, development of key enabling technologies and empowering new mission scenarios for future projects. Together we will work on proximity navigation, docking, inspection and autonomous robotic operations.

George, who leads the collaboration and the research group at Luleå University of Technology, concludes:
– We have been working with research and development of autonomous drones for over 15 years. We have benefited from the solid experience we have gathered in this project.