Enhancing Earth Observation with Onboard AI: AIKO’s Role in Autonomous Data Processing Systems
The Role of Earth Observation and the Need for Onboard Intelligence
Earth Observation (EO) involves capturing satellite imagery and data to monitor environmental and human activity across the planet. EO supports applications from wildfire and flood response to urban development, agriculture, and maritime traffic management.
Yet, one of the major challenges in EO is converting massive volumes of raw data into timely insights. Traditional approaches require transmitting unprocessed data to ground stations, which increases latency and cost. AIKO addresses this with AI-powered onboard data processing, enabling satellites to autonomously filter, analyze, and act upon the data in real time.
Onboard AI for Smarter, Faster Decisions
By processing data directly in orbit, AIKO’s smart payload applications, the clear_ Suite, enable:
- Real-time decision-making without Earth intervention
- Reduced downlink bandwidth usage
- Faster response times for time-critical events like natural disasters
- Delivery of already-classified, high-value data products to end users
Flagship Projects Driving AIKO’s OBDP Innovation
IOSL – In Orbit Space Lab
Project partners: Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (PNRR complementary funds), Planetek Italia, D-Orbit
IOSL creates a hybrid infrastructure combining onboard data processing with Earth-based cloud analytics. AIKO contributes modules for real-time optical analysis and autonomous task planning.
AISAR – Artificial Intelligence for Synthetic Aperture Radar
Project partners: Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, GEOK
AISAR develops deep learning models for onboard radar data processing — including focusing, compression, and object detection — optimized for resource-limited platforms.
CLICK – Closed-Loop Artificial Intelligence for Cognitive SAR
Project partners: ESA, TAS-I, Aresys, University of Bologna, University of Naples, AIKO (funded by ASI via GSTP)
CLICK introduces an autonomous SAR system capable of deciding what, when, and how to observe. AIKO contributes adaptive AI model development and flight demonstrator integration.
ULS – Universal Locomotion System
Project partners: ASI, TAS-I, Leonardo, Volta, ALTEC, IIT, Politecnico di Torino, AIKO
ULS brings onboard AI to lunar surface mobility. AIKO is developing embedded software for terrain segmentation and autonomous navigation for rovers and drones.
Strategic Vision and Collaborations
“These projects reflect our long-term strategy to deliver scalable, modular OBDP solutions for any mission scenario,” says Mattia Varile, Chief Innovation Officer at AIKO. “Our goal is to close the loop from data acquisition to decision-making — not just faster, but directly in orbit.”
Discover more about clear_CHARLES and clear_CHLOE.