KAUST-CTL researchers awarded IEEE Honorary Mention in 2024 Communication Society Student Competition

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Two innovative projects from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), led by PhD candidate Yingquan Li and his collaborators, have received Honorary Mentions in the IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc) Student Competition. The projects, aimed at enhancing disaster rescue operations and improving communication for Red Sea fishermen, were selected among the top 16 out of 93 international submissions. This achievement underscores KAUST’s commitment to advancing research that addresses societal needs through technology.

Project 1: Development of a GPS-independent Localization System for Disaster Rescue

• Project Overview: In disaster scenarios, traditional GPS services are often disrupted, making it difficult for rescuers to locate victims. This project, led by Yingquan Li and Dr. Bodhibrata Mukhopadhyay, introduces the cooperative localization technique with unknown parameters (CTUP), an advanced system that employs received signal strength (RSS) and combines semidefinite programming (SDP) with second-order cone programming (SOCP) to provide accurate location estimates of individuals in GPS-denied environments.

• Social Benefits:
  • Enhanced Emergency Response: CTUP allows rescuers to locate victims quickly, improving response times and the likelihood of successful rescues in critical situations.
  • Efficient Resource Allocation: By providing more precise location data, CTUP helps emergency teams allocate resources more effectively, enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Global Applicability: This GPS-independent technology can be deployed worldwide, particularly in regions vulnerable to natural disasters. Additionally, by making its data open-source, the project enables other researchers, especially in resource-limited areas, to build upon its findings.

Project 2: Implementation of an IEEE 802.11ax-Based Maritime Mesh Network in the Red Sea

• Project Overview: This project, led by a collaborative team comprising PhD candidates Yingquan Li and Narek Khachatrian and postdoctoral researcher Dr. Jiajie Xu, focuses on developing a high-bandwidth mesh network (AX-MMN) based on IEEE 802.11ax. AX-MMN offers an efficient and cost-effective alternative to satellite communication, facilitating real-time data exchange between fishing vessels and shore-based stations, thereby enhancing maritime operational effectiveness in the Red Sea region.
• Social Benefits:
  • Real-Time, Reliable Communication: AX-MMN offers fishermen a low-latency communication system, which is essential for navigation and safety, particularly in remote maritime areas.
  • Support for IoT Devices: The network’s high bandwidth allows fishing vessels to use IoT devices for real-time data monitoring, improving operational insights.
  • Seamless Integration with Terrestrial Networks: By enabling a connection to land-based networks, AX-MMN ensures fishermen stay connected across the Red Sea, reducing isolation and increasing safety.

About the IEEE ComSoc Student Competition

The IEEE ComSoc Student Competition “Communications Technology Changing the World” highlights projects that apply communication technology to create significant social impact. With over 90 submissions globally, the competition awards projects that demonstrate innovation and societal benefit. More details can be found at: https://www.comsoc.org/membership/ieee-comsoc-student-competition