The SYNERGISE project held its first General Assembly remotely on 19-20 September, bringing together consortium members to review progress and discuss key strategic matters.
The assembly provided an opportunity to update the entire consortium on the status of each work package, with a focus on ensuring smooth coordination and execution of the project’s objectives.
It served as a platform for sharing progress, aligning tasks and discussing the management and implementation of upcoming activities.
Partners actively participated, ensuring that all voices were heard and that any administrative or operational concerns were addressed collaboratively. The meeting reinforced the critical role of effective communication and coordination in achieving the project’s goals.
In the first 12 months of the SYNERGISE project, the consortium achieved significant milestones, including:
Scenario and Requirement Definition:
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- Defined master scenarios inspired by the Lebanon explosion.
- Established Use Cases and reviewed IFAFRI and First Responder gaps to develop functional and non-functional requirements.
- Conducted Technology Watch and set up the ethical framework and guidelines.
- Developed the human-machine teaming framework and delivered the technical requirements, specifications, and toolkit architecture.
ANYmal Robotic Technology Enhancements:
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- Enhanced robotic capabilities for improved weight-lifting and movement.
OWL Robotic Platform Advancements:
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- Improved localization features with semantic 3D map annotations.
- Developed LiDAR-Radar-IMU fusion for localization and mapping in GNSS-denied environments.
- Enhanced precise teleoperations with AR-enabled control, UI, and virtual reality features for the robotic arm.
- Advanced autonomous exploration capabilities through efficient map sharing and marsupial legged-aerial system development.
- Compressed large 3D images into small depth images for easier data transmission.
Personnel Localization and Monitoring:
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- Advanced research for real-time localization and vitals monitoring for personnel on the ground.
Communications and Connectivity:
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- Developed and tested Private-5G UE, GNodeB & Core nodes functionality, Wi-Fi-based Wireline Communication Package, Wi-Fi Mesh nodes, and Starlink nodes in the lab.
- Conducted training on augmented reality (AR) tools and developed AR functionalities.
- Implemented map-based visualization for alerts, near real-time messaging, and MinIO nodes for secure file/image sharing.
- Integrated SYNERGISE components via APIs, messaging brokers, and enhanced the Command, Control, and Coordination Intelligence Platform.
Collaborative Laboratory Testing:
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- Conducted 10 collaborative lab tests with positive feedback from first responders.
- Progressed well with the training platform and prepared for the upcoming component field tests.
Dissemination and Outreach:
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- Developed various communication tools for broader project outreach.
- Disseminated project insights at 21 events, including the INSARAG Steering Group meeting, Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week, Milipol, and the AI for Good Global Summit 2024.
