Mitsubishi develops AI satellite tracking for dark fleet

The device takes images of terrestrial objects simultaneously and processes that visual data using AI and can keep track of the dark fleet across the globe.

The MHI Artificial Intelligence Retraining In Space system (AIRIS) applies AI to detect suspect vessels in the imagery, then transmits only the data from the areas where those vessels are located. Everyday images of open water and innocent ships are never sent, saving more bandwidth to use for valuable information. 

AIRIS has been selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for trials in space next year.

“The deployment of AIRIS marks a significant advancement in maritime monitoring, enhancing the ability to track elusive vessels and mitigate illegal activities on the high seas,” Mitsubishi Heavy stated in a release. 

The objective is to identify suspicious activity more quickly so that responses and interventions can be initiated sooner. Initial applications will include IUU fishing, which costs the global economy more than $20 billion a year. The AI model aboard AIRIS can be retrained and updated as needed, making it better over time or adapting it to other use cases - for example, keeping an eye on misbehaving aircraft or vehicles, MHI said.