Periodic Reporting for period 1 - TESTUDO (Autonomous Swarm of Heterogeneous resourcse in infrastructure protection via threat prediction and prevention)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2023-10-01 do 2025-03-31
Critical Infrastructures (CIs) are vital for Europe’s security, economy, and society, but increasing digitisation and interconnectedness increase their vulnerability to cyber and physical threats.The Security Union Strategy (EC) highlights the urgent need to protect CIs, as disruptions can cascade across networks and impact essential services and first responders. TESTUDO addresses these risks by developing an autonomous, scalable solution based on robotic platforms and legacy systems to enhance CI resilience. The main goal is to deliver a TRL-7 prototype capable of autonomously managing CI protection and operational tasks in challenging, diverse environments. TESTUDO's approach relies on 3 pillars:
1.Novel sensing components and robotic platforms for detection
2.AI-driven knowledge extraction and machine learning frameworks for autonomous detection
3.Advanced prevention and prediction models for optimised response
TESTUDO focuses on two strategic objectives: Autonomy on the Platform (AoP), integrating autonomous functions across assets via a unified platform, and Autonomy on the Edge (AoE), providing AI-based offline cognitive capabilities for limited connectivity. An operational test and 2 large scale, cross sector demonstrations will validate the platform’s effectiveness, proving its ability to address varied risks and threats. By reducing human intervention and improving threat detection and response, TESTUDO aims to significantly improve the security and continuity of critical services, supporting the stability and safety of European society.
1.Novel sensing components and robotic platforms for detection
2.AI-driven knowledge extraction and machine learning frameworks for autonomous detection
3.Advanced prevention and prediction models for optimised response
TESTUDO focuses on two strategic objectives: Autonomy on the Platform (AoP), integrating autonomous functions across assets via a unified platform, and Autonomy on the Edge (AoE), providing AI-based offline cognitive capabilities for limited connectivity. An operational test and 2 large scale, cross sector demonstrations will validate the platform’s effectiveness, proving its ability to address varied risks and threats. By reducing human intervention and improving threat detection and response, TESTUDO aims to significantly improve the security and continuity of critical services, supporting the stability and safety of European society.
TESTUDO’s technical and scientific work is advancing as planned. Below is a summary of progress by work package:
Risk assessment and requirements definition (WP3): User and security requirements and the use cases were defined in detail with active end-user participation. A comprehensive risk analysis identified physical and cybersecurity vulnerabilities in specific infrastructures, informing tailored requirements for enhanced resilience. Special emphasis was placed on legal and ethical requirements for CIP and data processing. The TESTUDO platform architecture was defined, including design and technical considerations for integrating key assets (UxVs, sensors, legacy systems, autonomous capabilities, detection and prediction modules and user interfaces).
Augmented sensing and communications for effective autonomy v1 (WP4): Novel sensing components for autonomous CI surveillance were identified and initially developed, including mobile sensors on UxVs, fixed sensory systems and 3D mapping using UAV imagery, enhancing synergy of heterogeneous surveillance assets. A secure, robust network architecture and an interoperable data model were designed to support efficient and secure data exchange.
Artificial cognitive intelligence for threat identification v1 (WP6): Significant progress was made in developing AI-based cognitive models for surveillance, focusing on high-performance threat identification. Detection models for object identification (visual and thermal spectrum, and visual on embedded platforms), activity recognition, CBRN threats, and cyber-attacks were designed and initially for integration into TESTUDO prototypes.
Predictive intelligence, operational support and platform implementation v1 (WP8): Initial versions of multimodal fusion techniques, advanced prediction models, and an enhanced monitoring centre with improved HMI were developed. A fusion model for integrating multimodal data, an XAI tool for evasion attack detection ,and a prediction analysis tool for chemical fires were introduced. The cyber-attack detection model, fusion model, and Monitoring Centre were successfully integrated into the first TESTUDO prototype, laying the foundation for subsequent full system integration.
Large-scale pilot execution and evaluation (WP10): Substantial activities were performed in organising large-scale pilots and developing evaluation strategies to validate prototype performance, as well as training plans for platform users. TESTUDO’s first prototype was evaluated through an online operational test during UC1, and preparations for the UC2 and UC3 demonstrations are ongoing. Overall, the project is progressing towards delivering and testing a highly mature platform for continuous CI monitoring, focusing on autonomy and resilience.
Risk assessment and requirements definition (WP3): User and security requirements and the use cases were defined in detail with active end-user participation. A comprehensive risk analysis identified physical and cybersecurity vulnerabilities in specific infrastructures, informing tailored requirements for enhanced resilience. Special emphasis was placed on legal and ethical requirements for CIP and data processing. The TESTUDO platform architecture was defined, including design and technical considerations for integrating key assets (UxVs, sensors, legacy systems, autonomous capabilities, detection and prediction modules and user interfaces).
Augmented sensing and communications for effective autonomy v1 (WP4): Novel sensing components for autonomous CI surveillance were identified and initially developed, including mobile sensors on UxVs, fixed sensory systems and 3D mapping using UAV imagery, enhancing synergy of heterogeneous surveillance assets. A secure, robust network architecture and an interoperable data model were designed to support efficient and secure data exchange.
Artificial cognitive intelligence for threat identification v1 (WP6): Significant progress was made in developing AI-based cognitive models for surveillance, focusing on high-performance threat identification. Detection models for object identification (visual and thermal spectrum, and visual on embedded platforms), activity recognition, CBRN threats, and cyber-attacks were designed and initially for integration into TESTUDO prototypes.
Predictive intelligence, operational support and platform implementation v1 (WP8): Initial versions of multimodal fusion techniques, advanced prediction models, and an enhanced monitoring centre with improved HMI were developed. A fusion model for integrating multimodal data, an XAI tool for evasion attack detection ,and a prediction analysis tool for chemical fires were introduced. The cyber-attack detection model, fusion model, and Monitoring Centre were successfully integrated into the first TESTUDO prototype, laying the foundation for subsequent full system integration.
Large-scale pilot execution and evaluation (WP10): Substantial activities were performed in organising large-scale pilots and developing evaluation strategies to validate prototype performance, as well as training plans for platform users. TESTUDO’s first prototype was evaluated through an online operational test during UC1, and preparations for the UC2 and UC3 demonstrations are ongoing. Overall, the project is progressing towards delivering and testing a highly mature platform for continuous CI monitoring, focusing on autonomy and resilience.
The protection of CIs is essential for a resilient society, as disruptions threaten vital functions. TESTUDO enhances CI resilience against complex threats, including disasters, accidents, and coordinated attacks, by enabling reliable operation of interconnected systems through a robust, flexible architecture. The project equips CI operators and first responders with advanced tools for early threat detection, coordinated response, and risk mitigation, improving situational awareness and reducing cascading failure risks.
By integrating novel technologies, TESTUDO supports robust, sustainable infrastructure and long-term service continuity for European citizens. The collaborative framework aligns with the needs of CI operators, first responders, and policymakers, while creating opportunities for investment and employment.
Initial activities focused on state-of-the-art performance and planning next steps based on test outcomes. The first trial, “Disruptive Online Events in Water Reservoirs,” validated TESTUDO’s approach in cyber threat detection. Preparations continue for further cross-sectoral trials to refine methodologies and ensure real-world robustness.
To ensure broad uptake and impact, TESTUDO is engaging stakeholders for commercial deployment and funding, including business model development; managing intellectual property for commercialisation and cooperation; ensuring compliance and contributing to security standards through engagement with authorities and standardisation bodies; building international partnerships and aligning with global security initiatives; and validating solutions through large-scale demonstrations and trials to support user acceptance. Addressing these needs will accelerate adoption, strengthen CI resilience, reduce economic risks, and improve societal security.
By integrating novel technologies, TESTUDO supports robust, sustainable infrastructure and long-term service continuity for European citizens. The collaborative framework aligns with the needs of CI operators, first responders, and policymakers, while creating opportunities for investment and employment.
Initial activities focused on state-of-the-art performance and planning next steps based on test outcomes. The first trial, “Disruptive Online Events in Water Reservoirs,” validated TESTUDO’s approach in cyber threat detection. Preparations continue for further cross-sectoral trials to refine methodologies and ensure real-world robustness.
To ensure broad uptake and impact, TESTUDO is engaging stakeholders for commercial deployment and funding, including business model development; managing intellectual property for commercialisation and cooperation; ensuring compliance and contributing to security standards through engagement with authorities and standardisation bodies; building international partnerships and aligning with global security initiatives; and validating solutions through large-scale demonstrations and trials to support user acceptance. Addressing these needs will accelerate adoption, strengthen CI resilience, reduce economic risks, and improve societal security.