NEC starts research on self-supervised underwater acoustic foundation model, targets FY2027 completion

• NEC started R&D on a self-supervised underwater acoustic foundation model under a Japan defense innovation program, targeting completion in fiscal 2027.
• The model aims to generalize underwater sound analysis, reducing reliance on scarce labeled data while accelerating interpretation of large sonar recordings.
• Strategic focus on dual-use deployment, spanning defense applications with potential spillovers into ocean monitoring and seismic forecasting.
• Training data will be assembled via public-private partnerships, leveraging NEC’s sonar experience with its cotomi large-scale learning capabilities.

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