SeXTANt (Secure X Trustworthy AI Navigation)

Cyber-securing maritime autonomous surface ships
Long exposure image of stars over the ocean

SeXTANt (Secure X Trustworthy AI Navigation)

Cyber-securing maritime autonomous surface ships
This project focuses on the network and system security aspects of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). 
Rather than concentrating on the security of the AI itself, the project examines the security of the hosting environments where the AI operates within autonomous systems. 
Additionally, the project explores data visualisation, specifically how cyber and cyber-physical security data impact marine technology and engineering design and implementation.
Sextant
 
Project objectives
This project aims to offer a comprehensive, holistic view of securing MASS AI and to effectively communicate practical solutions to the relevant stakeholders.
 

Cyber vulnerabilities in human-autonomy teaming technology

This project is funded by the Alan Turing Institute and focuses on secure and trustworthy AI for autonomous maritime systems. During the project, we looked at the cyber vulnerabilities of AI systems on uncrewed surface vessels and in remote operating centres. This also shows how AI can be developed to both be operational and have cyber resilience using data fusion. 
All of this cross-discipline research is then made more understandable and digestible through animations and visualisation.

Our people

Publications
Walter, M., Vineetha Harish, A., Christison, L. et al. (2025). Visualisation of cyber vulnerabilities in maritime human-autonomy teaming technology. WMU J Marit Affairs 24, 5–31. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13437-025-00362-z 
 
 
 
 

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The Alan Turing Institute is the national institute for data science and artificial intelligence, and the Turing University Network is a key component of its overarching strategy.
The network supports the Institute in achieving its three ambitious goals: advance world-class research and apply it to national and global challenges, build skills for the future, and drive an informed public conversation.
Through the Turing University Network, the Institute will build a structured and inclusive university network representative of the wider data science and AI community in the UK, which will facilitate better connections across the data science and AI landscape.