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MERMAID-AI platform presented in Genoa: advanced teleassistance for maritime first aid

Spoke 02
Spoke 02
4 July 2025
MERMAID-AI platform presented in Genoa: advanced teleassistance for maritime first aid

During the 19th edition of the International Conference on Intelligent Autonomous Systems (IAS), held in Genoa from June 30 to July 4, 2025, the MERMAID-AI project was presented – a maritime telehealth platform developed within Spoke 2 of the RAISE program.

The MERMAID-AI project aimed to develop and bring to market an innovative solution for first aid in maritime environments, introducing significant advancements over current standards. The platform has been designed not only as a next-generation technological tool but also as a new operational standard for remote healthcare, with the goal of increasing onboard safety and improving the quality of medical services available at sea.

During the presentation, it was shown how MERMAID-AI integrates e-triage and self-care systems, supported by artificial intelligence algorithms, onboard biometric sensors, and innovative interaction methods — including the use of augmented reality headsets. These solutions have reduced the need for external interventions or returning to port, promoting, when possible, the safe self-management of care. Moreover, MERMAID-AI has enabled satellite specialist teleconsultations through affiliated healthcare facilities, expanding intervention capabilities even in geographically isolated conditions.

The platform’s development required interdisciplinary expertise, with particular focus on cybersecurity and personal data protection. Professionals from healthcare, maritime, and digital sectors were involved, including those managing cloud infrastructure, satellite connectivity, and the development of applications based on generative AI – particularly LLMs (Large Language Models) and RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation).

The project was carried out thanks to a network of highly specialized partners, led by Netalia, alongside Innonation, Posdata, Porto Antico di Genova and Teseo.

MERMAID-AI was selected as part of the call for Industrial Research and Experimental Development projects in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics, promoted by the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) within the RAISE program.

At the end of the presentation, the speaker, Simone Macciò, stated: “Presenting MERMAID-AI at the 19th edition of IAS gave us the opportunity to share our work with an international community of excellence in the fields of robotics and AI, while also highlighting the role of RAISE as an ecosystem capable of turning research into tangible solutions, useful for people and for the territory. A context that fosters sustainable, inclusive innovation truly oriented toward the needs of society — of which the MERMAID-AI project is proud to be a part.”

The IAS 2025 conference, dedicated this year to the theme “Ethical, Responsible, and Inclusive Robotics”, provided a prestigious platform for presenting cutting-edge solutions in the fields of robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems, emphasizing the value of responsible innovation in maritime and healthcare contexts.

Finaziato dall'Unione Europea Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca Italia Domani Raise