Improved detection of underground pipes by Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) radar for The Radar Networks

Project Information

MIMODETECT

Grant agreement ID: 736017

DOI

10.3030/736017

Project closed

EC signature date 15 September 2016

Start date 1 August 2016

End date 30 November 2016

Funded under

• Secure societies - Protecting freedom and security of Europe and its citizens

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

DETECT RESEAUX 69
France

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MIMODETECT (Improved detection of underground pipes by Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) radar for The Radar Networks)

Reporting period: 2016-08-01 to 2016-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

In Europe there is an extensive and growing network of underground utility infrastructures. Without prior adequate detection, construction works near these networks can cause accidents with material damage and personal injuries. Existing detection solutions require lots of time for interpretation and often require complimentary intrusive prospections. The development of technologies that reduce reliance on the interpretation of the operator and can differentiate pipelines types in different soil conditions has become an urgent priority.

Our aim is to commercialise The Radar Networks (TRN), a non-intrusive, accurate and compact solution providing detailed information of shape, size and material of the pipe networks in a variety of soil conditions and depths as well as a faster data analysis.

DetectReseaux received grant for feasibility assessment purposes (phase 1) within the Horizon 2020 SME Instrument. The objectives were to carry out a technical assessment, a partner survey, and to update the business strategy prior to demonstration and commercialization.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The past 4 months we have developed a thorough Feasibility study, covering the following tasks:

Technical feasibility: We investigated parametrisation of TRN for various soil conditions and under different operational configurations, and evaluated data output and processing for best display. We also identified potential technical barriers and solutions, mainly related to the data processing methods
Survey of European stakeholders: We identify potential partners and selected possible European manufacturers for manufacturing our solution.
Commercial feasibility and business plan: we developed a detailed market analysis, which showed a favourable market up to 2030. We prepared a detailed commercialization and dissemination strategy, and performed an in-depth FTO, which guaranteed that TRN is freely exploitable.
Financial plan: We reviewed all forecasts, and estimated accumulated revenue of €21.7 million by 2022, after 3 years of commercialization, with an accumulated overall profit margin of 32%.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Our solution TRN will allow reducing training time of operators by 85%, and operators to provide a more efficient and higher quality service to clients, mapping larger areas of the subsurface in less time and differentiating between the different types of pipes to the point current technologies cannot provide. TRN will contribute to boost the growth of our companies, both in economic and personnel terms.

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