Applied Autonomous Sensor Systems - KK-stiftelsen

Applied Autonomous Sensor Systems
expertise. This shows the relevance and the reputation of the profile
within industry.
Recommendations
The profile is close to the top, but:
• does not show the clear visionary thinking which is needed since the
AASS, in spite of the successes mentioned above, is not yet recognized
as leading in the chosen area.
• has to be clear about what to be leading in. The PEIS is an example that
has clear direction and where the review team sense a desire to be
leading.
• has to distinguish between what are the “practical doings” and what is
new to science.
• should focus better. The review team thinks that the profile has made a
real effort to put together the three labs in one logical framework but
still a lot of disparate things seem to prevent the profile from being as
strong and visible as it could be.
• would need to look more into financing strategies. The review team
finds the financing a bit ad-hoc. In our opinion it doesn’t matter if
Vinnova, the Strategic Research Foundation or the Research Council
find AASS and Robotdalen interesting if the industry were to reduce
support. Hence, the evaluators recommend the profile to develop a
contingency plan and for example keep trying for EU funding. The
team also lack contacts between the profile and ESA, the defense area
and similar.
Academic excellence is also about how to sell yourself, or at least
establishing a reputation and credentials. Some researchers in the profile
have undertaken research work centred on big vehicles and have got an
identity there. Groups are often afraid to do this and to put all eggs in the
same basket. But still the review team considers it important that the profile
get a more clear identity at least in some areas.
Furthermore, the profile is recommended to stress the strategic position
and raise the profile of the area specifically in promoting robotics to the
government.
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