PSU Discusses Latest Research Developments and Future Directions with PSDSARC Project Teams
As part of the university's leading research efforts, Dr. Dhafer Al-Makhles, Director of the Research and Initiatives Center, convened with research teams collaborating with the Prince Sultan Defense Studies and Research Center (PSDSARC). Discussions targeted current research progress and defined next steps and future strategies.
This meeting reinforced the strategic alliance between the two institutions in driving scientific research and innovation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, consistent with Vision 2030’s goal to bolster national expertise in advanced technologies, aviation, artificial intelligence, defense, and security.
Ongoing Research Projects
During the meeting, team leaders presented their current projects, which cover a wide range of modern technologies related to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), autonomous vehicles, and smart radars. The most notable projects include:
- “Robust Control Strategies for Path Tracking in the Internet of UAVs,” led by Dr. Dhafer Al-Makhles. This project seeks to develop a unified control system for drone networks using advanced control methods based on partial integral derivatives and data compression algorithms. The aim is to enhance the performance and stability of the “Internet of Drones,” thereby improving surveillance and security efforts across various applications, including collaboration with the Ministries of Interior, Defense, Hajj, and Umrah, as well as universities.
- “Accurate Altitude Estimation for Drones Using Radar Altimeters and AI Algorithms,” led by Dr. Mohammed El-Affendi. The project examines advancements in radar altimeters and incorporates AI techniques for angle-of-arrival calculation, thereby refining the precision of UAV navigation.
- “Terrain-Aided Navigation: GPS-Denied Localization for Autonomous Aerial Vehicles,” led by Dr. Muhammad Bilal Kadri. This project develops advanced algorithms that integrate sensor data with an enhanced Kalman filter to ensure reliable UAV localization in GPS-denied environments.
- “Unmanned Ground Vehicles for Disaster Management and Recovery,” led by Dr. Muddesar Iqbal. This project seeks to design and develop autonomous vehicles capable of intervening during natural or environmental disasters, thereby improving the speed and effectiveness of rescue operations.
- “Multi-Polarization Radar Components for Counter-Drone Radars,” led by Dr. Walid Dyab. This research creates precise components to analyze the micro-Doppler signatures of small UAVs, enhancing the capability of low-altitude counter-drone radar systems.
Towards a Promising Future for Research and Innovation
Dr. Dhafer Al-Makhles praised the research teams’ efforts during the meeting. He emphasized that these projects add value to the university’s research and support national defense and civil capabilities. They also open practical opportunities in many sectors.
He also noted that the next phase will involve deeper collaboration between Prince Sultan University and PSDSARC, aiming to convert research outcomes into tangible solutions and technologies that advance the Kingdom’s technological leadership.
The meeting ended by underscoring the value of ongoing coordination to track progress, establish priorities, and jointly strategize to maximize research impact, achieve national aims, and sustain future projects.