As its surroundings changes radically and climate conditions deteriorates, Europe and its Members adapt to these current challenges. To this end and in order to maximise their usability, the EC established a framework of a common policy (EU Security Market study) by categorizing potential technologies per security domain, including Critical Infrastructure (CI) Protection. This trend is indicative for the importance and significancy that the EC gives to these matters. Any potential disruption, either intentional as a terrorist attack or a natural disaster, may risk smooth operations of such structures that may have a severe impact on a local society and its daily activities or well-being. Current advancements in various technologies can be particularly beneficial in CI protection especially when they can provide a timely support without the necessity of a human in the loop.

TESTUDO, aligned with the need of a holistic and autonomous security approach in CI protection domain and with the European Commission’s objectives, will utilize advanced unmanned vehicles along with existing equipment to deliver a highly mature platform for continuous monitoring even at harsh environments and remote territories. Tailored to the needs of the domain and targeting to maximize the platform’s autonomy capabilities, TESTUDO intends to incorporate state-of-the-art technologies for detection, prevention and prediction increasing their cognitive capabilities for different types of hazardous events. In addition, optimization techniques will identify the resources needed for the execution of high-level missions contributing to the total autonomy of the deployable system. A multidisciplinary group of technical innovators for AI-based models, CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear), cyber-security detection, Digital twins and XAI (Explainable artificial intelligence) along with the CI-related experts will collaborate to deliver an innovative action and solution to protect various CIs during a long operational period and completely autonomously.

With DBC Diadikasia as part of the consortium, TESTUDO brings together a diverse team of experts in CI protection and autonomous surveillance, committed to delivering innovative solutions. With 2 CI operators, 8 research centers, 6 SMEs, 3 large industry partners, and one NGO, the consortium spans the EU continent, maximizing the project's impact.

More specifically, DBC Diadikasia plays a pivotal role as the leader of WP11 and 12, focusing on 'Impact Creation and Outreach.' In this capacity, DBC Diadikasia takes charge of spearheading the project's efforts in exploitation, ensuring long-term sustainability, and actively influencing EU policy for critical infrastructure protection.

The funding for this groundbreaking initiative comes from the HORIZON-CL3-2022-INFRA-01 program, underlining the strategic support for advancing autonomous security solutions in the CI protection domain.

Project number: 101121258

ΕΠΟΜΕΝΟ ΔΕΛΤΙΟ

19 / 12 / 2023