Space software experts SciSys have been awarded a key role in a 1.7 million pound technology development programme supporting Europe's return to Mars. The programme sponsor (the UK Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council or PPARC) has given its highest priority to a SciSys-led development known as the "autonomous robotic scientist". This development includes academic support from Aberystwyth, Leicester and Strathclyde Universities.
Dr. Mark Woods, SciSys Project Manager commented "Our intention is to develop software that sits inside the European Mars Rover and acts as a surrogate for the science team back on Earth. Using information and models supplied by the team the software will autonomously detect scientific targets and explore these without the need for detailed supervision from ground control. In this way we hope to significantly increase the amount of true "science time" we have on the surface of Mars".
This robotic scientist will be able to identify potential targets from sensors such as cameras using advanced image processing techniques. Once a target is detected it will choose an appropriate investigative response compatible with the intent of the science team. For example it may take a high resolution image or move closer to the target in order to carry out more detailed analysis. Having selected a desired action the system will then decide whether or not it has sufficient resources or energy to carry out this unplanned procedure and ensure that it does not jeopardise the pre-planned science activities for the day.
Alan Batten, SciSys Business Manager for Space said "all space missions are challenging but planetary programmes present unique problems to do with delays in sending and receiving information back to the mission team on Earth. Software technology such as our robot scientist will let us address these in smarter ways. Importantly this programme is already generating interest for applications here on Earth".
