Case Study

Underwater Acoustic Intelligence with Thales

Turning complex sonar signal data into actionable acoustic intelligence.

Problem:

In the underwater battlespace, warfare specialists use sonar to detect and identify potential threats. However, the acoustic complexity of the underwater environment, the cognitive overload caused by overwhelming data feeds, and the evolving nature of threats all combine to make effective and timely decision-making incredibly challenging.

Solution:

Mind Foundry has focused on the application of AI techniques for sonar processing that could alleviate these problems. This work, research, and knowledge led to the development of NIGHTINGALE - a product designed for warfare specialists who need to interpret, analyse, and exploit complex signal information from acoustic sensors.

In partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence, the Royal Navy and Thales, Mind Foundry have trialled NIGHTINGALE with S2087 to build on the system’s sensing capability.

Designed to facilitate human-machine teaming, NIGHTINGALE provides near real-time classification of acoustic data by surfacing AI insights in explainable, digestible formats. By enabling operators to ‘see with sound’, NIGHTINGALE provides machine-speed decision support, reducing cognitive load, time to classification, and enhancing operational decision-making.

Results:

This partnership proved the value of spiral
development: continuous user feedback and rapid iteration delivered the right capability for future operators.

After successfully integrating with the Thales system, NIGHTINGALE dramatically reduced the amount of time it takes to triage contacts of interest, reducing workload and improving the speed and accuracy of tonal analysis.

This was enabled by close collaboration between the UK Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy, a world-leading Defence prime and a UK SME, applying UK Sovereign AI to turn complex sonar signals into actionable intelligence.

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