Kevin Theuma together with conference participants during the International IR Target and Background Modelling and Simulation Conference.
Kevin Theuma, a Ph.D. candidate at the Institute of Aerospace Technologies within the University of Malta. completed a 3-month placement at as part of his doctoral studies.
His doctoral research proposes the use of multi-sensor data fusion to accurately detect and track ground obstacles in the airfield. This technology would be useful to pilots during taxi operations as it would improve situational awareness and enable navigation in low visibility conditions.
The placement allowed Kevin Theuma to capture data from multiple sensors, including optical sensors and a high-end LIDAR sensor, which can then be used throughout his studies. Furthermore, he developed algorithms and carried out preliminary tests to assess and compare the performance of different methods, with the guidance of professionals in the field. Part of the work was compiled in a paper and presented at the .
The placement was hosted by ONERA – The French Aerospace Lab under the supervision of Dr Nicolas Riviere, a research scientist with a track record in both research and academia. ONERA is renowned as the leading aerospace research centre in France. It uses its research to support both French and European industry and has contributed to various programs such as Airbus, Ariane, Rafale, Falcon, Mirage and Concorde.
Dr Nicolas Riviere will deliver lectures on imaging and ranging technologies and applications in October. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.
The placement and the lectures are conducted as part of 'Trans-national Collaboration on Multi-Sensor Fusion Techniques for Obstacle Avoidance in Aircraft Ground Operations', a project financed by the Malta Council for Science and Technology though the Internalisation Partnership Awards Scheme.
