Institute of Electronics and Computer Science

Institute of Electronics and Computer Science (EDI) was established in 1960 within the framework of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. The Institute is a public research institution.

EDI is a highly regarded scientific institution in Latvia in the field of engineering sciences and technologies, specializing in Smart Embedded Cooperative Systems (SECS). Our mission is to perceive the world and shape a better future by creating new knowledge, developing innovative technologies, and demonstrating their practical significance in real-life applications. This mission drives our scientific staff, who are organized into six laboratories: the Signal Processing Laboratory, Space Technology Laboratory, Robotics and Machine Perception Laboratory, Integrated Circuits and Systems Laboratory, Cyber-Physical Systems Laboratory, and Energy Research Laboratory.

EDI envisions a future world that will be increasingly connected, digitalized, and automated, giving rise to a range of new and significant challenges, including personalized predictive and preventive healthcare; flexible, efficient, connected, and autonomous (zero-defect) factories; safe (zero-fatality), accessible, sustainable, connected, cooperative, automated, and clean (zero-emission) mobility; secure, trusted, and reliable connectivity and system interoperability. These are only a few examples of the challenges that will influence the everyday lives of citizens and all sectors of the economy. At EDI, we possess a unique perspective, experience, and capability to contribute to addressing these challenges on a global scale.

The primary driving force behind EDI’s scientific activities is their economic and societal impact. Therefore, we apply our SECS expertise to the fields of mobility, industry, healthcare, digital living, and space. At the same time, we focus on the following research areas:

• Ultra-precise event timing;
• Remote sensing and space data processing;
• Robotics and machine perception;
• Signal processing and embedded intelligence;
• Smart sensors and the Internet of Things;
• Sustainable and resilient energy systems.

Our expertise and competencies are reinforced through close collaboration with more than 300 international partners. EDI has coordinated and participated in numerous European Union research and innovation projects, including Horizon Europe, Horizon 2020, EIT, ECSEL, ERA-NET, COST, and others.

Research Areas and Competencies

Ultra-Precise Event Timing

This research direction is led by the Space Technology Laboratory, which investigates and develops innovative digital event-timing technologies for highly precise measurements with an accuracy of 2-3 picoseconds. EDI’s objective is not only to ensure outstanding performance of event timers but also to replace specialized analogue hardware with digital signal-processing components, thereby reducing hardware production costs.

Research in this field began in 1976 and has resulted in technologies capable of measuring time intervals with an accuracy better than 3 picoseconds and measurement rates of up to 20 MHz. At the same time, these technologies are more efficient and easier to implement than alternative solutions.

The principal application area is precision timing systems for satellite laser ranging with millimetre-level accuracy. More than 50% of the stations in the NASA International Laser Ranging Service (ILRS) are equipped with EDI technology. A recent outstanding achievement is the adoption of EDI’s time-interval measurement technology in the international JUNO project.

Furthermore, the European Space Agency (ESA) plans to utilize EDI technology, developed within the ESA PECS project MPET, in the Hera asteroid mission and the joint Roscosmos–Luna-27 lunar mission. EDI’s work in this area contributes not only to advances in timing technology but also to fundamental scientific fields such as particle physics and space exploration.

Remote Sensing and Space Data Processing

This research area is covered by scientific groups within the Space Technology Laboratory and the Discrete Signal Processing Laboratory.

One group develops image-processing algorithms for Earth observation applications. Its research has resulted in the original unsupervised image classification technology Dynland, which utilizes a novel parameter-free clustering method. The group develops algorithms for processing RGB, multispectral, hyperspectral, X-ray, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery.

EDI develops satellite-image processing algorithms for smart and safe cities, forestry, and land-cover classification. Remote-sensing image-processing methods have also been applied to skin lesion classification using multispectral skin imaging.

A second group investigates applications of ultra-wideband (UWB) radar sensor technologies for object detection, localization, motion detection and tracking, as well as non-invasive diagnostics and parameter estimation of subsurface layers and materials. Research covers material diagnostics, contactless ice-thickness monitoring, security systems, detection of subtle movements, defect detection, and contactless monitoring of vital signs.

A third group develops ultrasonic testing, impact and vibration analysis, and optical inspection methods based on advanced signal processing and artificial intelligence. Applications include:

• Non-destructive testing for material characterization, wear assessment, and internal defect detection;
• Characterization of biological tissues for biomedical diagnostics;
• Environmental and meteorological monitoring for surveillance, warning, and control purposes.

Robotics and Machine Perception

This research direction is carried out by the Robotics and Machine Perception Laboratory and the Cyber-Physical Systems Laboratory.

EDI studies systems capable of perceiving and analysing their environment, making decisions, and operating autonomously. Examples include industrial robots, self-driving vehicles, and autonomous drones.

Research encompasses both complete intelligent systems and their core components, including smart sensors, sensor systems, computer vision, artificial intelligence, and robot control.

EDI develops various smart sensors for environmental and wildlife monitoring, industry, and mobility applications. Video cameras, including hyperspectral and high-speed cameras, are among the most widely used sensors in machine perception research.

The Institute develops computer-vision algorithms for image registration, classification, object detection and recognition, and image segmentation. Applications include:

• Next-generation industry, where intelligent robots identify, grasp, and manipulate randomly positioned objects in dynamic environments;
• Agriculture, where robotic weeders distinguish crops from weeds;
• Medicine, where image analysis supports automated diagnosis;
• Intelligent transportation systems, where cameras and sensors monitor traffic flow and recognize license plates;
• Automated driving systems based on vehicle-mounted cameras.

EDI also uses depth cameras and LiDAR sensors for acquiring 3D information about environments and objects. These technologies are particularly useful for navigation of mobile robotic platforms such as drones, autonomous robots, and self-driving vehicles.

Robotics research at EDI integrates machine-perception technologies into robotic systems and develops decision-making and control algorithms for industrial robots and mobile platforms. EDI is also working on robots capable of safely collaborating with both humans and other robots.

Additional research focuses on implementing control algorithms simultaneously on physical robots and their digital twins, training robots through reinforcement learning in simulation environments, and transferring acquired knowledge to real-world robotic systems.

Signal Processing and Embedded Intelligence

EDI develops algorithms for processing signals from various sensors, including ultra-wideband radars, accelerometers, gyroscopes, ECG, EEG, EMG, and others.

Image processing research applications include:

• Biomedicine (melanoma detection);
• Satellite data analysis (forest monitoring);
• Intelligent transportation systems (vehicle and pedestrian detection);
• Security (palm-print-based identification);
• Agriculture (crop and weed recognition).

In embedded intelligence research, EDI addresses challenges related to the saturation of Moore’s Law by seeking new approaches for improving computational hardware performance.

The Institute develops innovative energy-efficient solutions for implementing data-processing algorithms, including:

• Specialized neural network architectures;
• Image-processing accelerators;
• Asynchronous multicore processing;
• Automated toolchain development frameworks.

These solutions employ heterogeneous System-on-Chip (SoC) architectures and Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Outcomes include energy-efficient intelligent systems capable of stereo image processing, deep-learning-based surveillance, infrared-visible image fusion, and drone localization.

Smart Sensors and the Internet of Things

Research in this field focuses on efficient data acquisition, transmission, and timely feedback.

EDI develops smart sensors with original digital signal-processing capabilities for monitoring a variety of environments and applications, including:

• Wearable posture-monitoring sensors for rehabilitation;
• Motion-tracking devices for telemedicine and training;
• Sensor-based knee rehabilitation devices for prosthetics monitoring and control;
• Headband-based alternative computer mouse controls;
• Train integrity monitoring systems;
• FPGA-based multimodal biometric systems;
• High-speed wireless sensor nodes for industrial environments;
• Hardware accelerators for Vehicle-to-X communication.

Strategic collaboration is essential for achieving EDI’s long-term objectives. Therefore, EDI is committed to continued cooperation with:

• Universities in developing talented students;
• Research centres in conducting high-level interdisciplinary research;
• Industry partners, including SMEs and large enterprises, through collaborative and contract research;
• Industry associations and Digital Innovation Hubs in shaping ICT policies and digitalization opportunities;
• National and municipal institutions in strengthening the role and application of science.

EDI collaborates with more than 400 international partners and has established a strong track record in research and innovation projects. In the coming years, the Institute also aims to further strengthen cooperation with local partners.

Sustainable Energy and Smart Energy Systems

This research area is led by the Energy Research Centre, whose activities integrate expertise in energy and environmental engineering, electrical engineering, electronics, information technology, economics, and environmental management.

EDI investigates the development of sustainable energy systems while considering energy, climate, environmental, and societal dimensions.

A key area of research is long-term energy system modelling and analysis. EDI develops and applies mathematical modelling and decision-support tools to evaluate development scenarios, assess renewable energy and energy-efficiency measures, and forecast greenhouse gas and air-pollutant emissions.

Research also focuses on smart energy systems and power grids, applying information and communication technologies and artificial intelligence to improve energy production and consumption efficiency, increase grid flexibility and security, and support the integration of decentralized generation and storage technologies.

Consumer engagement and energy communities are another important research topic.

EDI also investigates efficient use of energy resources, particularly renewable resources. Wind-energy potential is assessed and forecast using meteorological measurement masts.

Research Projects and Achievements

Information about all projects implemented by the Institute is available on the EDI website:

https://www.edi.lv/projects/

Research Infrastructure

Information about EDI’s research infrastructure and equipment is available at:

EDI Research Infrastructure

Leading Researchers

More information: Institute of Electronics and Computer Science