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Flexible system extending automated border surveillance by increased situational awareness adaptable to uncertain times with unforseen events

Project description

A new era of border surveillance

The EU is grappling with increased border security challenges, with physical barriers now covering 13 % of its external land borders. Migration, smuggling, and geopolitical tensions are rising, demanding more sophisticated surveillance solutions. Traditional methods are insufficient to address the dynamic and evolving threats. There is a need for real-time, adaptable, and sustainable border security measures. The EU-funded BorderForce project responds to these challenges by enhancing real-time surveillance capabilities using AI: with dynamic, transportable stations that feature versatile surveillance towers, anti-drone capabilities, satellite and UAV assets, autonomous sensors and relevant OSINT data. It ensures frequent monitoring and early threat assessment, prioritising ethical considerations and fundamental rights. This innovative project collaborates with border authorities to improve regional stability and security.

Objective

The EU has experienced a surge in fixed border surveillance solutions, including physical barriers, covering 13% of external land borders. The BorderForce project responds to evolving threats by enhancing real-time surveillance capabilities. It introduces a dynamic system, featuring self-sufficient, transportable Command and Control (C2) Stations with configurable and extendable capabilities. These stations incorporate versatile surveillance towers with anti-drone features, integrating data from autonomous monitoring sensors and UAV systems.
Dedicated satellite resources, including CubeSat, strategically positioned at high-risk spots, ensure frequent revisits to critical areas. To enable early threat assessment, BorderForce leverages Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), processing online data for border security threats. The project emphasizes ethical, legal, and social aspects, safeguarding fundamental rights in border surveillance capability development.
BorderForce collaborates with EU and candidate country border authorities, customs, and Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) entities. It defines scenarios, gathers architecture feedback, and validates end user feedback. The project emphasizes data exchange, novel user interfaces (e.g. XR), and immersive training for collaborative threat assessment, promoting safety and security while upholding fundamental rights.
This solution enhances resource sustainability by improving the coordination and deployment of reusable security measures. The BorderForce solution will be validated in 2 field trials to become TRL7. It ensures seamless operations in monitoring the flow of goods, people, and information. Addressing challenges like migration, smuggling, and geopolitical tensions, BorderForce contributes to regional stability, particularly in crises. Overall, it combines technological innovation and international collaboration to bolster border security, prioritizing fundamental rights and ethical considerations.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-IA - HORIZON Innovation Actions

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-CL3-2023-BM-01

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Coordinator

AIT AUSTRIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY GMBH
Net EU contribution
€ 937 144,64
Address
GIEFINGGASSE 4
1210 Wien
Austria
Region
Ostösterreich Wien Wien
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost
No data

Participants (17)