‘Fast and accurate processing of sensor data remains a challenge’

Edson Hiroshi Aoki moved from Brazil to Twente for his PhD, where he learned to speak Dutch in just a couple of months. Marloes van Amerom chats with this remarkable researcher on his PhD and on some key differences between life in Brazil and in the Netherlands.

Why did you decide to complete your PhD in Twente?

‘To be honest, it was not such a conscious decision. I had an interest in a European Union project called MC IMPULSE, which had an open position in four countries. Eventually, only Sweden and the Netherlands remained an option. Because I assumed winters would be milder here, I opted for the Netherlands, although winters here are still pretty cold as well (smiles). On a more serious note, the reputation of the Department of Applied Mathematics played a much bigger role in my decision-making process.’

What subject does your PhD tackle?

‘I focus on target-tracking, sensor management and sensor data fusion. Sensors can be radars, cameras, GPS, wireless sensors and much more. Sensor data fusion involves combining and integrating different sources of information, derived from sensors, to get better tracking results. My research group works with Thales Nederland. While some of my colleagues are based inside this company, the main focus is on defense and military aspects. In my research work, I hope to look at the problem from a broader perspective.’

Can you tell me about a few applications in your research field?

‘There are many in fact. Cameras can be used to track people and objects, for example, in the area of safety and security. But sensors can also be used for military purposes and attached to planes or ships, or even on soldiers to monitor their movements during their military duties. Sensors are also used to keep an eye on hospital patients and older people who live by themselves. GSM signals from mobile phones can be used to monitor one’s own location or other people can find you when your own GPS fails. In my home country of Brazil, there is talk of using sensor data fusion technology for security during the upcoming FIFA World Cup games.’

What are remaining challenges in your field?

‘There are still constraints in the area of processing power and network bandwidth, which complicates the fast and accurate processing of data. And some fundamental questions arise like how do you mathematically formulate the issue of keeping track of multiple people? This question has not been fully answered.’

Brazil is an upcoming economy. How does this affect daily life in Brazil?

‘Prices have soared and smaller cities have become much more crowded with traffic and people. Sadly enough, there is plenty of employment but some bad things haven’t changed. Street crime is still a big problem and many favelas, the slum areas in big cities, continue to be ruled by drug lords and militia, rather than by the government.’

What are key differences between Brazil and the Netherlands?

‘The overall quality of life is much higher here and you can go everywhere easily by public transport. People here are more adapted to societal life. There are many rules which are respected and social welfare is institutionalized. Brazilians, on the other hand, tend to care a lot more about their immediate circle of family and friends, but not so much about the society or rules.’

You are pretty fluent in Dutch. How does that knowledge contribute to your stay in Twente?

‘Socially, not that much. There are currently no Dutch people working in my office. But by knowing Dutch, it helps a lot to live everyday life. From being able to tackle bureaucratic problems to understanding announcements in trains, learning the language has its advantages. So, when I use the public transport, I feel less disoriented, then if I hadn’t learned Dutch. And to think, I accomplished this skill without the aid of a GPS system or other sensor.’

Marloes van Amerom

‘I believe going abroad helps you to understand another culture, and surprisingly, you are also better able to understand the culture of your home country, which is only possible when you see something in a different way.’ Photo: Arjan Reef