Periodic Reporting for period 1 - AstroMetrix (Precision tracking with tools from Astrophysics)
Período documentado: 2016-02-01 hasta 2017-07-31
AstroMetrix uses techniques from radio Astronomy to localise and track objects in every day life. In radio Astronomy signals from multiple radio antennas are combined to for instance localize cosmic particles rushing through our Earth atmosphere at the speed of light. In AstroMetrix we proved that this astronomical technique can be employed to precisely track objects equipped with a simple radio transmitter. In a simple demonstrator setup, accuracies to the sub-mm level were achieved. Unlike GPS, this method would allow the tracking of objects or even people even indoors, and it provides a highly accurate, dedicated and independent solution. In parallel to the technical demonstration, a market study has been performed. Here several potential customers, ranging from oil companies who want to track their machines over large distances, to museums and zoo’s that want to track and monitor their visitors, have been presented with the AstroMetrix idea. Currently, potentially the most promising discussions are ongoing with the van Gogh museum in Amsterdam. They could be the launching customer to show that astronomical techniques can be employed for crowd control in public locations.