Erlend makes equipment smart

Erlend has a background from NTNU Gløshaugen in Trondheim, where he studied cybernetics and robotics. After his studies, he moved back home to Kristiansund, where he was born and raised. He worked at Grieg Connect for a while before we were lucky enough to get him on the team at Ocein.

Technology that solves real problems

When we developed StealthResident, one of our newest launches, Erlend was one of those who worked on developing the AI component of this product. We use consultants to assist with developing the AI-model, to ensure we have the professional expertise needed for this job. Part of Erlend's job is to coordinate with them.

StealthResident goes through the nets and reports: "Hey, there's something not right  here, or a hole – something needs to be done!" This communication and warning system was something he was part of developing

– The plan is that we'll be working with AI going forward. It's cool to get my hands on it, says Erlend.

Because that's exactly what Erlend does, he takes existing technology and makes it smart enough to solve the real problems our customers face every day.

A system that talks together

Cybernetics, which Erlend works with, is a broad field that takes a bit from several different areas. Lots of electronics, lots of applied mathematics, and quite a bit of programming.

– What I use most is where software meets hardware, he says, and gladly elaborates with an example:

– When we develop new net cleaners, we start from scratch. We put together a bunch of electronic gadgets that have never talked to each other before. Then I must create the system that makes everything work.

It sounds complicated, but for Erlend, that's exactly what makes the job exciting. Getting things to talk together in a good and efficient way. He thinks it's fun to tinker with things, make things, and get them to work.

– It brings out the child in me, says Erlend.

From office to workshop

Erlend sits, like most of us, quite a bit in the office. There he mainly does coding, but also some 3D modelling and drawing of 3D drawings. Then he runs up and down the stairs quite a bit between the office and the workshop. In the workshop, he assembles the electronic parts that will ultimately make our products function optimally.

– Today I've been tinkering with a stereo camera to check how well it works for our use. It's two cameras that help the system see depth, Erlend explains.