Tat-Jun Chin

Information

Bio

I am Tat-Jun Chin, a Professor in the field of Computer Vision with a solid foundation in Machine Learning, mathematical optimization and computational geometry. My professional journey began at Monash University, where I earned my PhD degree in Computer Systems Engineering with a specialization in kernel learning methods for computer vison. With my skills, I have contributed as an academic staff member to the School of Computer Science at The University of Adelaide for 18 impactful years.

Current Role

Currently, under funding from SmartSat Cooperative Research Center (CRC), I serve as a SmartSat CRC Professorial Chair at The University of Adelaide, where I lead a research team that conducts cutting edge research on AI for Space. The overarching goal of my group is generating advances in the science of AI, machine learning and computer vision that contribute to novel and commercially valuable space technologies that can help drive the development of new space industries.

AI for Space Research

My group pursues two major directions in our AI for Space research:

• Developing intelligent spacecraft and space robots that can make decisions and take actions autonomously guided by AI algorithms; and
• Using AI algorithms to process large amounts of space-derived data, such as Earth observation and space situational awareness imagery, to extract deeper insights and commercial value from the data.

These specializations are closely related to the core research agenda of ESA Φ-lab and directlysupport the goals of the proposed CIN project. For example, jointly with Φ-lab researchers my team is investigating the execution of foundation models on satellite-borne neural network accelerators, which will enable Earth observation satellites that can process large amounts of image data onboard to derive actionable insights. We are also developing algorithms on energy-efficient neuromorphic chips that allow AI algorithms to be executed on satellites with much lower power consumption than what is possible with current onboard computers.

Vision for the Future

In the new space era, space is not just a vantage point—it is a domain where significant value is generated through intelligent platforms that actively collect data and make sense from the data. Applications that stand to benefit from this shortened chain of data-to-insights include environmental and climate monitoring, as well as disaster prevention, agriculture and logistics. The work that will be conducted in the CIN project will help usher in this exciting space age.