Excelerate Technology has secured a contract co-funded by the European Space Agency Business Applications and Space Solutions (ESA BASS) program. The initiative aims to develop and validate an advanced robotic security response system for safeguarding the perimeter of a critical UK national infrastructure facility.
ESA BASS, in partnership with the UK Space Agency, supports Project OVERVIEW, which showcases the use of space-enabled technologies in addressing safety challenges. By integrating satellite communications with both ground and aerial robotics, the project aims to enhance the security of critical national infrastructure. The system is designed to coordinate ground robots and aerial drones to swiftly address incidents when perimeter alarms are triggered. Excelerate’s robust satellite and cellular networks ensure continuous and real-time data flow between robotic units and security control centers, both on-site and remote, even in adverse environments.
Autonomous Surveillance Capabilities
During the project's trial phase, the Nokia Drone Networks 'drone-in-a-box' system will be employed. Situated in an automated, weather-proof docking station, these drones can autonomously launch and provide Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) surveillance.
During the project's trial phase, the Nokia Drone Networks 'drone-in-a-box' system will be employed
This integration of Nokia’s drone technology with Excelerate's hybrid connectivity allows stable video and data transmission to security teams, ensuring operational integrity even if local communication infrastructure is compromised. The quick deployment of these autonomous systems enables security personnel to evaluate high-risk situations safely before engaging human responders.
Integrating Cutting-edge Technologies
“As a technology developer and systems integrator, this project brings our advanced connectivity experience together with innovative robotics to solve a real-world challenge,” commented Bethan Evans, COO at Excelerate Technology. She emphasized the global importance of protecting critical national infrastructure and highlighted the project's role in showcasing impactful solutions tailored to specific security needs.
Maria Zaretskaya, Space Applications Officer at the European Space Agency, expressed support for Excelerate's endeavors, stating, "ESA Space Solutions are pleased to support Excelerate Technology in developing innovative applications which leverage Satellite Communication to improve safety of critical infrastructure.”
Excelerate Technology Awarded a Co-funded ESA Contract to Deliver Advanced Robotic Security Solution for UK National Infrastructure
Excelerate Technology has been awarded a co-funded contract by the European Space Agency Business Applications and Space Solutions (ESA BASS) program to build and demonstrate an innovative, automated robotic response system for perimeter security at a critical UK national infrastructure site.
Critical national infrastructure
Co-funded by ESA BASS and supported by the UK Space Agency, Project OVERVIEW demonstrates how space-enabled assets can directly solve safety challenges, integrating satellite communications with ground and aerial robotics to protect critical national infrastructure.
When perimeter alarms trigger, the system coordinates ground robots and aerial drones to rapidly deploy and investigate incidents. Supported by Excelerate’s resilient satellite and cellular connectivity, the system ensures uninterrupted, real-time data transmission between robotic platforms and both on-site and remote security control centres, even in challenging operational environments.
Deploying human responders
As part of the trial, Project OVERVIEW will leverage the Nokia Drone Networks 'drone-in-a-box' system. Deployed in an automated, weather-resistant docking station, the aerial drone can launch autonomously to provide Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) surveillance.
By combining Nokia’s industrial drone technology with Excelerate’s hybrid satellite and cellular connectivity, the system ensures seamless video and data streaming back to security teams even if terrestrial communications are compromised. By reaching alarm locations rapidly, the autonomous system allows security teams to identify and assess high-risk situations from a safe distance before deploying human responders.
Advanced connectivity experience
"As a technology developer and systems integrator, this project brings our advanced connectivity experience together with innovative robotics to solve a real-world challenge," said Bethan Evans, Chief Operating Officer at Excelerate Technology. "Critical national infrastructure is a global priority for protection. Working closely with infrastructure operators puts us in the best position to build and demonstrate impactful solutions utilising the right technology for the situation."
"ESA Space Solutions are pleased to support Excelerate Technology in developing innovative applications which leverage Satellite Communication to improve safety of critical infrastructure." – Maria Zaretskaya, Space Applications Officer at European Space Agency.
