Roberto Del Prete PhD
ESA Φ-lab | Ex SmartSat CRC Visiting Researcher | Ex AIML Intern | NATO Early Career Scientist
I am specializing in TinyML and edge computing, focusing on enhancing time-critical decision-making through cutting-edge AI solutions for both space missions and Earth monitoring. His work focuses on developing innovative systems such as vision-based navigation and onboard AI solutions for analyzing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) raw data.
My professional journey includes roles as a Visiting Researcher at both the European Space Agency and SmartSat CRC in Australia. I was in NATO STO Early Career Scientist and participated in the 2021 NASA-ESA Trans-Atlantic Training. Notably, I won the best presentation award at the AI4Space@CVPR workshop in 2024, and my poster featured among the best of the conference (RSIPVision). I have been a key contributor to high-impact projects like the Kanyini Mission. With more than 30 scientific publications, my dedication is to leverage AI and remote sensing technologies aims to address global challenges in Earth observation and space exploration.
Current Role
Currently, I serve as Internal Research Fellow at ESA, where I deploy tiny models in space. At ESA, I am dedicated to expanding the uptake of onboard machine learning for SAR.
Areas of Expertise
My expertise lies in several key areas of Remote Sensing, including SAR, Multispectral and Hyperspectral imaging, and the processing of raw satellite data. I also specialise in Onboard AI, TinyML, and Embedded Systems, enabling efficient, edge-deployable models for spaceborne and aerial platforms.
These specialisations empower me to develop advanced, low-latency analytics pipelines for critical applications such as Maritime Domain Awareness, Disaster Response, Wildfire Monitoring, and Vessel Detection. My integrated knowledge of spaceborne AI and remote sensing contributes directly to ESA Φ-lab CIN’s goals by supporting intelligent edge computing, onboard inference, and the rapid prototyping of transformative Earth Observation capabilities.