Alexandre plays a crucial role as a Data Scientist at the Naval Group's Center of Excellence for Information Human Factors and Signature Management (CEMIS), focusing on underwater acoustic recognition through artificial intelligence. His expertise lies in designing AI algorithms to identify various underwater sounds, aiding submarines in distinguishing potential threats like merchant ships from non-threatening sounds such as dolphin calls.
AI and Underwater Acoustics
The discipline of acoustic analysis underwater requires expertise akin to that of a perfumer's nose, demanding extensive training and precision. With each new generation of submarines, the range of audio phenomena captured expands due to more sensitive sonar technology. Consequently, there is a significant need to assist crews in acoustic recognition tasks.
Developing AI Algorithms
Alexandre states, “My job is precisely to design an AI algorithm, integrated into the ship’s system, that helps them sort sounds, from those that are most dangerous to those that are non-threatening.” He emphasizes that the goal is to assist, not replace, crew members, explaining, “Supporting crews means relieving them of tasks that may be repetitive and handling those that are risk-free and reliable.” His work is prioritized among the use cases identified by Naval Group's Raid Team, which is dedicated to facilitating AI deployment within the group.
From Computer Engineering to Data Science
Initially working as a Computer Engineer for a Naval Group subcontractor, Alexandre transitioned to Data Science through self-education, utilizing online courses and distance learning from institutions like Stanford University to earn certification. He explains, “There was hardly anything out there back then, so I took a few Moocs online and distance learning courses at Stanford University that earned me my certification.”
The Intersection of Science and Practical Application
Since joining Naval Group in 2019, Alexandre has been applying academic research to practical needs. As he articulated, “Our algorithms originate from the academic world and allow us to recognize patterns in images and noises in sound signals.” He appreciates the blend of research and real-world application, noting, “We have to act as an interface between science and operational need.” This dual role involves project management and technical skills, which Alexandre values as he seeks to continue this work throughout his career.
Alexandre is a Data Scientist who specializes in underwater acoustic recognition based on artificial intelligence. He works at Naval Group’s Center of Excellence for Information Human factors and Signature Management (CEMIS). He designs artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to identify sounds that a submarine can hear underwater.
Capable of distinguishing blindly the sound of a dolphin from that of a merchant ship, ‘golden ears’ are to underwater acoustic analysis what a ‘nose’ is to traditional perfumery: a challenging trade that requires long training.
Moreover, each new generation of submarines widens the spectrum of audio phenomena captured by increasingly sensitive sonars. The need to accompany crews in this task of acoustic recognition is strong indeed.
Alexandre job
“My job is precisely to design an AI algorithm, integrated in the ship’s system, that helps them sort sounds, from those that are most dangerous to those that are non-threatening”, explains Alexandre.
“Supporting crews means relieving them of tasks that may be repetitive and handling those that are risk-free and reliable. But it does not mean replacing human beings completely”.
His work features among the priority use cases identified by Naval Group’s Raid Team, a team dedicated to facilitating the deployment of AI within the group.
Science and technique
Alexandre became a Data Scientist after gaining initial professional experience as a Computer Engineer
Alexandre became a Data Scientist after gaining initial professional experience as a Computer Engineer within one of Naval Group’s subcontracting service companies.
Drawn to this particular science of extracting value from a dataset (which is the actual role of the Data Scientist), he then educated himself on the subject with the means available to him.
There was hardly anything out there back then, so I took a few Moocs online and distance learning courses at Stanford University that earned me my certification, which was the best of the best at the time.
Science and operational need
Naval Group hired him in 2019 at the CEMIS. “Our algorithms originate from the academic world and allow us to recognize patterns in images and noises in sound signals.”
“I like the combination of academic research and applying it in a practical manner to the crew’s needs. A Data Scientist at Naval Group is not a mad researcher working in a lab, completely disconnected from reality.”
“We have to act as an interface between science and operational need. “This means we are at the crossroads of project management and technique, which is something I really appreciate because I want to continue using this discipline throughout my career.”
