ERRATA

ERRATA is a flexible solution empowering rescue or operational teams deployed in hard-to-reach hazardous environments, with the right tools to detect a possible danger quicker and safer. In the project context, a hostile environment is an area with no available communications infrastructure, limited or no human access, and possible physical threats to safety and security. ERRATA integrates: i) an aerial robotic platform able to autonomously operate in confined dangerous spaces; ii) automated sensing equipment to detect hostile conditions; and iii) resilient connectivity to communicate any detected danger to safe remote teams for post-disaster management. The solution is the embodiment of a shared common vision of INSIGHIO & VERTLINER, two Greek deep tech SMEs specializing in cutting-edge ICT systems development and integration – with a focus on network, IoT, robotics, and data analytics. These are assisted by APOGEO Space (APOGEO), an Italian NewSpace company developing a nanosatellites constellation capable of providing global IoT connectivity based on a ground-breaking technology that can be used in hybrid terrestrial-satellite manner. ERRATA is applicable to underground tunnels and mining environments at construction stage as well as to special storage facilities managing accidental or human-induced disasters. To demonstrate the usefulness of our solution we will demonstrate the developed system prototype in an operational environment, located at old mining sites. The demonstration will showcase the benefits of unmanned site inspection as a means of ensuring secure access to potentially hazardous spaces.

ERRATA is a new hardware–enabled service –under development– which empowers operational teams deployed in hard–to–reach hazardous environments, with the right tools to detect or recover from a possible danger quicker and safer. In the first half of the project, the partners first refined and concluded on the technical and business requirements for the solution, and then began implementing the key components of it, based on in–house IoT sensing, connectivity, and drone technologies. A prototype IoT node has been prepared and tested in real–world conditions, while an initial hardware–software integration plan has been setup. Current developments pave the way for the successful completion of technical implementation, final integration and demonstration during the second half of the project.

During the project duration the team has significantly matured its technical and business proposition. On the technical side the team has advanced the TRL of the solution from 5 to 8. To accomplish this:

UAV Examples scans with SLAM algorithm

IoT prototype node

IoT Connectivity Shield 3D model

• APOGEO SPACE evolved the concept of providing a hybrid communications technology leveraging its proprietary long-range protocol applied in the exact same way over terrestrial gateways or its nano-satellite constellation.

• Following the individual technical developments, VERTLINER and INSIGHIO integrated the technologies to a TRL8 IoT-empowered UAV system prototype which is able to autonomously perform complex operations in challenging indoor spaces.

Preparation of the prototype

Software

Control panel

Hardware

Assembled prototype

• Finally, the team validated the solution under real-world conditions, i.e. performed several missions in the Ancient Indoor Mining Sites of Lavrion Technology Park, located in Attica, Greece. The site is currently used for R&D purposes but also as a storage facility for securing sensitive materials (captured gas piles). The team presented the concept to 2 stakeholders, the Site Manager and the company who is responsible for storing the chemicals.

Pictures of the real conditions pre-tests and solution demonstration

On the business exploitation side, the team made progress in 2 key directions:

• Identified 2 new target markets for commercially exploiting the developed system:
  • Safety and Security in confined / hazardous areas like special storage facilities, mines, or tunnels, using tailor-madesensors, UAVs and connectivity. Of particular interest is ensuring safe conditions for workers.
  • Critical infrastructures monitoring in remote areas integrating hybrid terrestrial and satellite communications. These could include road networks, energy grids, oil and gas extraction facilities, etc.

• Leveraging the acquired experience, the team has started investigating the next steps for productization and commercialization, including extensive system testing for further product verification and improvement, acquiring mandatory certifications, competition analysis, engagement of early adopters, promotion activities and financing needs.

See project flyer