WASP - Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program

About WASP

The fourth industrial revolution is upon us, as automation becomes autonomy. LiU conducts outstanding research in several of the fields that are central to the Wallenberg AI Autonomous Systems and Software Program, WASP.

Autonomous cars, decision-support systems in industry and robots that collaborate both with each other and with humans are just some examples from the initial phase of the fourth industrial revolution.

Linköping University is home to several leading research environments in fields central to WASP. LiU’s research into computer vision was selected in 2018 by Vinnova as the most prominent Swedish research environment in artificial intelligence. Top-flight research groups in automatic control and vehicle systems, both of which will be vital in the development of autonomous systems, are also based at LiU. The Media and Information Technology division at Campus Norrköping has world-leading research within visualization, artificial intelligence and decision support. Other leading research is carried out at the Department of Computer and Information Science within artificial intelligence, multiagent systems and machine learning.

WASP is a forceful initiative in basic research, education and recruitment within autonomous systems and software development. WASP's vision is excellent research and competence in artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems and software for the benefit of Swedish industry. WASP has five partner universities: Chalmers University of Technology, Linköping University, Lund University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Umeå University, with LiU as host. In addition, there are WASP affiliated research groups at Örebro University, Uppsala University and Luleå University of Technology. It is by far the largest individual research program in Sweden and collaboration with Swedish industry is crucial.

The investment will amount to SEK 6.2 billion during the programme, which ends in 2031. The Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation will provide SEK 4.9 billion of the funding, with further contributions from the university and participating industrial companies. WASP is the largest individual research investment in Sweden in modern time.

At the bottom of this page is a list of WASP researchers at Linköping University.

WASP - facts and figures

  • Launched in 2015
  • Will continue at least until 2031
  • Funding in total 6,2 billion SEK, whereof 4,9 billion SEK is donated by Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, the rest is co-funding from partner universities and Swedish industry.
  • 57 successful international recruitments of senior faculty made by March 2023
  • 80 companies and organisations engaged in the program
  • Aiming to exam 600 PhD students, whereof 150 in industry
  • Aiming to establish at least 80 research groups

Contact WASP at LiU

News

Mika Gustafsson and David Martinez peeking into a server rack in the data center in Kärnhuset, NSC.

A step towards AI-based precision medicine

AI which finds patterns in complex biological data could eventually contribute to the development of individually tailored healthcare. Researchers have developed an AI-based method applicable to various medical and biological issues.

The supercomputer Berzelius photographed with fisheye lens.

Swedish AI research gets more muscle

The supercomputer Berzelius was inaugurated in the spring of 2021, and was then Sweden's fastest supercomputer for AI. Yet, more power is needed to meet the needs of Swedish AI research.

Yellow quadruped drops first aid kit infront of injured person.

Collaboration the key to realising the potential of AI

In the near future, it is probable that autonomous drones and quadruped robots will perform rescue operations. But we are currently far from achieving full autonomy. Consequently, well-functioning collaboration between human and machine is crucial.

WASP nationally

Contacts WASP nationally

Videos

Turning huge amounts of data into information

One important application of the MIT-technology can be found within WASP, where one major branch of the programme is involved in training autonomous, driverless vehicles in various difficult traffic situations.

Autonomous sea rescue tested

The WASP arena for public safety, WARA PS, is the first to demonstrate an autonomous search-and-rescue system for sea use. (The video is in swedish, text in english)

Flying AI research

We are far from being able to coexist with flying robots in our urban landscapes, but one of the demonstrations within the WASP arena for public safety was a drone that politely gets out of the way when a person walks towards it.

WASP at LiU at several departments

Department of Computer and Information Science (IDA)

Department of Electrical Engineering (ISY)

Department of Management and Engineering (IEI)

Department of Mathematics (MAI)

Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM)

Department of Science and Technology (ITN)

Department of Thematic Studies (TEMA)