Concept

RATIONALE

As its surroundings changes radically and climate conditions deteriorates, Europe and its Members adapt to these current challenges. To this end and in order to maximise their usability, the EC established a framework of a common policy (EU Security Market study) by categorising potential technologies per security domain, including Critical Infrastructure (CI) Protection. This trend is indicative for the importance and significancy that the EC gives to these matters. Any potential disruption, either intentional as a terrorist attack or a natural disaster, may risk smooth operations of such structures that may have a severe impact on a local society and its daily activities or well-being. Current advancements in various technologies can be particularly beneficial in CI protection especially when they can provide a timely support without the necessity of a human in the loop.

APPROACH

TESTUDO will provide an innovative solution for CI protection, adopting a three pillar framework:

novel sensing components, including dynamically moving sensors using unmanned assets and fixed sensory systems, covering also remote with limited connection territories

knowledge extraction and improvement based on AI frameworks and recent advancements of ML architectures

prevention and prediction models to mitigate the impact and facilitate the recovery process of hazardous events

TESTUDO will deliver a novel data-driven and process-oriented surveillance and intelligence platform for increased autonomy and improved situation awareness, incorporating:

innovative autonomous platforms comprised by a set of unmanned vehicles and individual fixed sensors

effective transmission of heterogeneous multimodal data streams to improve the critical issue for smooth operations and the integrity of CIs

advanced detection, monitoring and prediction tools delivering pertinent information to the operator

virtual decision-making tool

TECHNOLOGIES

TESTUDO aims to equip CI operators and other relevant agencies with innovative technologies reinforced with research tools for optimal response and prediction/prevention, by employing:

Autonomous Response and Cognitive Intelligence

- - - Optimal resource allocation
    - Threat identification by processing optronics data
    - Edge computing for limited connected unmanned vehicles
    - CBRN materials identification
    - Autonomous response on cyber-attack identifications

Improved HMI for critical infrastructure surveillance

- - - Optimized 3D terrain and infrastructure mapping
    - Fusion schemes of numerous modalities for improved data representation
    - Threat assessment via XAI technologies
    - Predictive intelligence and improved HMI via Digital Twins

Short and long-term deployment for large-scale and cross-sectorial trials