Laura Kvarnstrand

Underwater Robotics Sensing with Machine Learning

My PhD research involves specialization in vehicle techniques with focus on marine robotics, within the School of Engineering Sciences, Division of Aerospace, Mobility and Naval Architecture.

I work actively within the following research projects: Blue Food, Kingdom of Colors, KelpIT.

My supervisors are Ivan Stenius, John Folkesson, Fredrik Gröndahl, and Ignacio Torroba Balmori.

The purpose of my research is to develop optical sensor systems integrated into underwater robots, enriched with AI capabilities, to help monitor, map and protect the health of the North and Baltic Seas and to support sustainable sea-based food production.

Specific themes and targets:

Blue Food —The use of cost-effective robotic systems enables monitoring to be conducted more frequently, more safely, and with higher quality, ultimately improving the sustainability and profitability of seaweed farming.

Kingdom of Colors —Developing novel methods for monitoring algal toxins in marine environments by leveraging visual indicators, including algal pigmentation and morphological patterns.

KelpIT —Our hidden marine forests: their distribution, importance, and sensitivity to a declining biological diversity.

Other aims, such as under-ice navigation may be added.

I have an academic background within mechanical engineering, aerospace and mathematics and have over 20 years of experience in private industry. Expertise in R&D, innovation, intellectual property, management, project leading and research, with a proven record in innovation strategy and execution. I'm a named inventor on at least seven patents, including multi-sensor AI, automotive safety, electric vehicles, and augmented reality. I've contributed to submarine navigation research for the US Navy and sensor development for NASA. I'm experienced in developing AI-driven logic for industry applications, including machine learning and object recognition in consumer products currently on the market.

I love to tackle unsolved problems as my dedication and imagination have no limits.