A robotics and information systems expert at the University of Sydney has
won the prestigious ‘Excellence in Engineering and Information and
Communications Technologies’ prize at the 2014 NSW Science & Engineering
Awards.
The annual NSW Science & Engineering Awards acknowledge the State’s
leading researchers in science and engineering for their leading-edge work that
generates economic, health, environmental or technological benefits for New
South Wales.
Salah Sukkarieh is Professor of Robotics and Intelligent Systems in
the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies, and Director of
Research and Innovation at the Australian Centre for Field Robotics. Professor
Sukkarieh also teaches in the University’s School of Aerospace Mechanical
& Mechatronic Engineering.
He received the award for his cutting-edge robotic and information
systems research as well as his engagement in a wide range of automation
applications for multibillion-dollar industries including agriculture,
environment monitoring, stevedoring, education, mining and aerospace.
An international leader in autonomous systems, with a focus on the
research and development of ground, air and space field robotics, intelligent
systems and automated software, and their interaction in large-scale complex
operations, Professor Sukkarieh has pioneered the development of intelligent
remote sensing and adaptive flight control systems for aerospace ranging from
small robotic aircraft to large commercial aviation systems.
Professor Sukkarieh’s research in automated software systems for single
and multi-platform aerial systems has been used in broader applications in
collaborative aerospace decision-making.
He has also partnered with environment agencies in developing these
systems for detection of invasive species and linking these automated tools to
ground operations. His innovative data analytic and planning tools supporting
greener flights are currently being developed and implemented in the commercial
aviation industry.
According to Professor Sukkarieh, as robotics and intelligent
systems become more integrated into mainstream society, greater interaction will
be seen between humans and robots. His research in space robotics to support
the education of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is not
only encouraging students to take on STEM related subjects, but also increasing
awareness of how such systems will be used in society.