Optimising autonomous platform deployments using Monte Carlo simulations

16 Apr 2026
Theatre 1
  • This multi disciplinary research contributes to academics, industry and naval applications by establishing Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) as a robust, scalable and adaptable decision support system to assist allocation of scarce operational resources across expansive maritime domains with significant uncertainty.
  • Additional considerations like environmental/ operational conditions, stochastic threat distributions, uncertain target locations, acoustic propagation models, sensor performance parameters, geographic/ hydrographic constraints, time critical events, target endurance, communication limitations, regulatory requirements, intelligence inputs, tactical operations, acoustics, AI/ Machine Learning algorithms and expert opinions can be overlaid on MCS output to provide realistic recommendations. This is especially relevant for naval applications. 
  • The methodology can be used to assist deployment of resources when required, and also for persistent surveillance with autonomous assets.
  • Integration of Monte Carlo Simulations can enable generation of digital twins of maritime operational environments provides a pathway toward real-time decision support systems. These systems can test alternative strategies under simulated contingencies, thereby improving the agility of maritime operations in dynamic and resource-constrained settings.
Chairperson
Mathieu Colin
Mathieu Colin, Senior Scientist - TNO (The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Research)
Speakers
Nikhil Vidwans
Nikhil Vidwans, Chief Executive Officer - Xaltcraft Technologies Inc