The MARISPEC project offers an exciting opportunity for a PhD candidate to be involved in cutting-edge research on drone-based ship detection under difficult conditions such as fog, rain, and night. The aim of the project is to develop an autonomous drone platform equipped with multi-sensor cameras that can operate reliably in maritime environments, enhancing maritime security and surveillance capabilities.

As a PhD student at the InViLab research group of UAntwerpen, you will focus on the development and implementation of advanced image processing algorithms, including machine learning techniques for real-time ship detection. Your primary tasks will include designing algorithms for detecting and classifying ships using multi-wavelength sensors, and collaborating closely with the project’s industry partners, Xenics and DroneMatrix. Xenics will provide state-of-the-art multi-wavelength cameras, while DroneMatrix will be responsible for integrating these cameras into their drone platforms. Together, you will work on optimizing the entire system, ensuring it performs well in challenging environmental conditions.

In addition to the technical development, you will have the opportunity to collaborate on on-site testing of the drone system at maritime locations (military and civilian) and work alongside industry experts to ensure the practical deployment of the technology. This project will provide you with hands-on experience in the growing field of autonomous systems, sensor integration, and real-time processing, making it an excellent opportunity for a motivated researcher to gain experience in both academia and industry.

We are currently accepting applications for this PhD position, which will commence on 1st January  2025 and span a period of three years. Interested candidates are encouraged to reach out to Prof. Steve Vanlanduit for further details.