Applied Autonomous Sensor Systems - KK-stiftelsen

Applied Autonomous Sensor Systems
The new International MSc in Robotics and Intelligent Systems is a very
good initiative. However, whilst the vision and effort are there, its impact
has been limited, due to the low number of students. Having said that, an
enrolment level of just above 5 MSc students per year is not unusual in
Sweden. Nevertheless, enrolment could be improved, in particular
enrolment of Swedish students.
5. Industry relevance
The team was impressed with the ability of all three groups within AASS to
undertake work that was scientifically relevant while at the same time using
the knowledge and skills within AASS to undertake industrially relevant
projects. To do this can be difficult, particularly in an area like robotics
where the leading edge challenges for research can be some way beyond the
immediate issues for large companies in established markets.
The fact that AASS has developed industrial projects with both large and
small companies is particularly relevant and the portfolio of projects and
industrially related work undertaken is impressive. It was noted that the
application range was broad, going from applications such as friction stir
welding, which is a new method applied to an existing market, through to
projects such as RobCab, which has the potential to open up new market
areas.
Two factors were seen as key to the success in this area. First, the
industrial PhD’s were seen as a critical element in ensuring the relevance of
the research being formulated and the projects undertaken. This both
provides AASS with an efficient information channel regarding the industry
needs and also provides a route for educating the company regarding the
possibilities as well as easing the integration into the company. It was noted
that number of PhD students in general, but industrial PhD students in
particular, are currently lower than desired but that there are plans to
increase these. AASS is very much encouraged to undertake action in this
area.
The second key factor seen to be underpinning the success in this area is
the relationship to Robotdalen. This gives visibility of AASS to a wide
range of industrial companies while also providing a pool of potential
collaborators who are aware of the potential benefits of the technology.
However, it was not clear whether the maximum benefit of this association
was being obtained in terms of raising the profile of AASS as a strategic
resource within the Robotdalen initiative.
In summary, AASS are performing well in this area without
compromising the scientific quality of the academic research undertaken by
the three labs. In particular:
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