Calibration Area

Calibration Area – Precision Testing, Data Quality Enhancement, and Real-World Scenario Simulation

The Calibration Area at the Digital Ocean Lab is a specialized environment designed to optimize the performance, calibration and validation of underwater detection and monitoring technologies. Featuring various surveyed concrete structures, unexploded ordnance (UXO) dummy objects and an artificial reef, this area supports both testing and validation, as well as training activities. A well-known, fully characterized environment enables the generation of high-quality data for the development and training of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning algorithms.

Testing Environment

1. Surveyed Concrete Structures of Various Sizes

• The Calibration Area includes precisely measured concrete structures of various sizes and configurations. These structures serve as key reference points to evaluate sensor precision and system calibration.
• This setup allows researchers to generate labeled datasets essential for training AI models, enabling improved object classification and detection accuracy, and environmental interpretation in operational settings

2. UXO Objects

• The area features realistic UXO-like objects, such as:
  • Magnetic and non-magnetic items
  • Buried objects positioned at various depths to evaluate system performance under challenging detection conditions.
• By collecting data on UXO object signatures, machine-learning models can be trained to enhance anomaly detection and minimize false positives, leading to more efficient underwater survey operations.

3. Artificial Reef

• The artificial reef creates a complex environment with varying structural and biological features. Sensors operating in this area collect data that supports the training of AI algorithms to distinguish between natural features and artificial objects, enhancing sensor system reliability in biodiverse and cluttered underwater landscapes.

4. Multi-Sensor Testing for Data Integration and AI Model Training

• The Calibration Area is ideal for testing platforms that integrate multiple data streams, such as sonar, magnetometers and cameras. The diverse, high-resolution datasets collected here are invaluable for training multimodal AI models, enabling more robust and context-aware data processing in complex underwater environments.

Training Environment

1. Varied Environmental and Structural Challenges
   • Trainees interact with multiple underwater elements, including submerged concrete structures, the artificial reef, and UXO objects. These experiences help them develop data acquisition strategies that ensure reliable and high-quality inputs for AI and machine-learning applications.
2. Scenario-Based Training Exercises
   • Practical exercises simulate real-world field operations, focusing on:
     • Navigating and detecting objects in densely populated or obstructed areas
     • Identifying UXO in different environments and improving real-time system response
     • Learning how to collect, annotate and process data for use in training AI models
3. Sensor Calibration and Data Processing
   • Trainees receive guidance on the calibration and operation of various detection systems (e.g., sonar, magnetometers and cameras) with an emphasis on generating clean, structured datasets for machine learning. Real-time feedback helps optimize both sensor performance and data consistency.
4. Collaborative AI and Data Integration Training
   • Team-based exercises promote collaboration between roles in underwater and offshore operations, with a focus on optimizing data collection pipelines for AI training. Trainees learn how to work with large, diverse datasets and how to organize metadata to develop advanced models that can adapt to varying environmental conditions.

AI Data Generation and Research Objectives

1. Training and Optimization of AI Models
   • The Calibration Area supports large-scale data collection for the development of machine-learning algorithms, such as:
     • Object detection and classification models
     • Multi-sensor data fusion techniques
     • Anomaly detection and prediction systems
2. Improving Data Quality for AI Applications
   • Structured and labelled datasets collected from the Calibration Area contribute to the continuous improvement of AI models, reducing the need for manual data preprocessing and enhancing overall algorithm performance.
3. Field-Oriented Training for AI and Data Science Applications
   • Operators and researchers receive training in how to deploy AI-driven solutions in real-world operations, gaining skills in managing data pipelines, model testing and validation, and optimization under field conditions.
   • AI and data experts can gain low-threshold access to offshore fieldwork experience without interrupting operational activities.

General Benefits

• High-quality data for training and validating AI and machine-learning models
• Precision calibration and testing to improve and quantify sensor and system performance
• Development of multi-sensor AI systems with robust data integration capabilities
• Comprehensive training for operators, focusing on data quality and AI-driven operations
• Advancement of marine safety, infrastructure monitoring, and environmental research through AI innovation

The Calibration Area at the Digital Ocean Lab provides a unique and versatile platform for underwater technology development, research and the generation of data to drive AI and machine-learning advancements.