SYNERGISE completes it`s second System Field Test in Germany
Berlin, Germany
October 2026
From 12 to 14 October 2026, the SYNERGISE consortium gathered in Berlin, Germany, for its second System Field Test (SFT2), hosted by the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW). The exercise brought together first responder teams from different countries, technical partners, researchers and external evaluators for the final large-scale testing of the integrated SYNERGISE system.
Following the first System Field Test in Sweden in June 2026, SFT2 provided a second opportunity to test the technologies as one integrated system, this time in a different operational setting and with a new disaster scenario.
A complex rescue scenario in Berlin
The exercise took place at the Berlin Police training facility, where participants were confronted with the aftermath of a major explosion involving a partially collapsed building, fire, smoke and hazardous conditions.
The scenario required first responders to assess the situation, identify potential risks, explore areas that were difficult or unsafe to access and coordinate their response based on the information available.
Robotic platforms, including the ANYmal quadruped robot, the SNAKE robot and the OWL aerial system, were deployed to explore the affected area and collect information. At the same time, wearable sensors and personnel localisation technologies provided additional information on responder safety and positioning.
The data collected by the different technologies was brought together through the SYNERGISE command and information management system, allowing teams to build a shared picture of the incident and coordinate their activities.
Bringing together the SYNERGISE consortium
SFT2 involved all first responder teams, including THW HRTA, CNBOP, SBFF and all technical partners from ETH Zurich, NTNU, Tohoku University, ASTRIAL, SATWAYS, SYSNAV, WEARIN’, CERTH, VIRNECT and ETRI, who supported the deployment, operation and integration of their respective technologies.
The testing activities covered several days, beginning with technical preparations and familiarisation sessions before moving into the full operational scenario. External evaluators also attended the exercise, observing the activities and providing an independent perspective on the performance and practical application of the technologies.
Final preparations for the public demonstration
SFT2 was the last major field test before the SYNERGISE Final Demonstration on 15 October 2026, which took place at the same training facility.
The three days in Berlin gave the consortium an opportunity to assess the integrated system under realistic conditions, make final adjustments and prepare for its presentation to invited guests from European institutions, emergency response organisations, research and industry.
With SFT2 completed, SYNERGISE concluded its programme of large-scale field testing, bringing together the experience gained across six field tests conducted throughout the project.