CFT4 – SYNERGISE Component Field Test in Switzerland

The European research project SYNERGISE has successfully completed its fourth Component Field Test (CFT4), an important step toward improving the safety, coordination, and effectiveness of first responders in complex disaster environments.

The CFT4 took place at the training facility in Wangen an der Aare (Switzerland) and was organised by ETH Zürich. Around 70 participants from 15 countries joined the two-day event, with First Responders from CNBOP (Poland), THW (Germany), HRTA (Greece), SBFF (Sweden), technical partners from ASTRIAL, CERTH, ETH Zürich, ETRI, NTNU, SATWAYS, SYSNAV, TNO, TOHOKU, VIRNECT, WEARING as well as Advisory Board members (Canada, Netherlands, UK, USA).

The test scenarios replicated challenging emergency settings, including surface and underground search and rescue operations following buildings/infrastructures collapse or fire. The following components were tested:

• ANYmal and SNAKE robots for autonomous navigation and victim detection.
• Indoor drone OWL for mapping and aerial surveillance in confined spaces.
• Health and environmental wearables for real-time monitoring of responder wellbeing.
• Field communication and localisation devices to ensure secure connectivity.
• Information management systems linking field teams with command centres via live videoconferencing and data dashboards.

These tools were assessed for interoperability, usability, and resilience, with first responders providing direct feedback to guide the next development phases. The test also reflected the project’s commitment to ethical human-machine teaming and the safe integration of robotics and AI in field operations

Next Steps
Insights from CFT4 will inform preparations for the first System Field Test (SFT1), scheduled for 2026, where all technologies will be fully integrated and evaluated together in complex, multi-hazard scenarios. The ultimate goal is to ensure that SYNERGISE solutions are ready for deployment in real emergencies, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of first responders worldwide.

 More information:

– CFT4 Official Video

– News article from Berner Zeitung from Tamedia Group (In German)

– News article from RTS – the Swiss public radio and TV media from the French part of Switzerland (in French)

– News article from SRF, the Swiss public radio and TV media from the German part of Switzerland (in German)

– Official press release/invitation