Western  University
Development  and Field Evaluation of Advanced Algorithms for Autonomous Scientific  Investigation — PI: Dr. Kenneth A. McIsaac. Modern planetary rovers and orbital instruments  generate multiple data products. However, data transmission capacity from space  to Earth is currently limited. This can result in observations not being made  and experiments not being performed because there is no bandwidth available to  get the data back to Earth. In order to maximize the return from field  explorations, rovers and satellites of the future will need the ability to make  independent decisions about what to explore and transmit preliminary analyses  of data to Earth. This project aims to  develop and field test algorithms and systems for autonomous scientific  investigation. The techniques developed will also enhance terrestrial  applications in agriculture, infrastructure monitoring and mining.