EXCELLENCE NETWORK IN DUAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR RESILIENCE AND INTEGRATION OF AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS IN MULTI-DOMAIN ENVIRONMENTS

TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITIES

Our work is carried out around the following areas of knowledge and technological capabilities.

Integration of human factors in the design, validation, and acceptance of multimodal autonomous systems:

The integration of human factors in the design, validation, and acceptance of multimodal autonomous systems. Their contributions will focus on:

  • Ensuring the social and operational acceptance of the developed dual technologies.
  • Designing and validating safe and efficient human-machine interfaces for defense operators and critical civilian environments adapted to the operator’s cognitive state.
  • Contributing to the development of methodologies for the integration of the human factor at ergonomic and cognitive levels applied to autonomous mobility through the use of advanced laboratories and simulators.

Monitoring of people’s states

With the aim of monitoring people’s states, we will develop algorithms based on information from non-invasive sensors (RGB, NIR, Radar…) that allow monitoring of the driver and/or passengers in both their physical variables (posture, temperature, etc.) and physiological variables (HR, FR, Eyetracking…).
Technologies will be combined for the inference of physical, cognitive, and emotional states from non-invasive and robust systems applicable to the cabin environment.

Logistics and smart mobility

We design and deploy solutions for efficient and safe logistics through Lean Logistics and progressive digitalization.
We apply predictive models to plan demand, routes, and inventories, and pilot intelligent automation with IoT sensors, artificial vision, and human-machine hybrid operations.
We integrate smart mobility through fleet orchestration in-plant
(AGV/AMR) and in controlled exterior (UGV/UAV), multimodal planning, Digital Twins, and vehicle-infrastructure communications.
Our analytical engines monitor in real-time and optimize the end-to-end supply chain.
We drive data-based decisions with data governance, indicators, and dashboards.
We apply advanced AI and digital simulation to automate flows, evaluate scenarios, and scale technology with a gradual and measured approach

Automated ground vehicle fleet

A fleet of automated vehicles, both for road and industrial environments, equipped with sensors for positioning and obstacle detection, as well as actuators for steering and pedal control. This infrastructure allows for the validation and deployment of a wide variety of use cases.

Implemented functionalities include overtaking, platooning, and trajectory tracking, reaching average speeds in fully automated driving mode.

Driving center for remote operation

The driving center developed by TECNALIA is a key element to enable teleoperation as a complement to onboard automation. From an ergonomic and safe environment, a single operator can sequentially supervise and control multiple vehicles, combining remote driving and assistance to autonomous systems of different levels. This approach allows optimizing the management of urban fleets, improving the availability of shared mobility services, automating logistics operations or in emergency or military situations. The center also acts as a backup in complex situations, accelerating the safe and efficient deployment of intelligent mobility.

Laboratory for Drone flight testing

These tests facilitate the operational validation of novel advanced control algorithms, in conditions safe for people and the aircraft, in order to achieve significant advances and competitive advantages in the vehicular dynamics of new drone architectures. It opens the door to testing complex and potentially dangerous dynamics in flight, favored by the safety conditions offered by the infrastructure.

It allows testing drones in adverse weather conditions using the largest wind profile generator in Spain and the second largest in Europe. It simulates wind flows through programmable fans, ensuring a safe environment for testing.

These tests can assist in all phases of drone development, from the conceptualization of the aircraft for custom applications, through design, calculation and simulations, modeling, among others.

Sensors and equipment for the infrastructure

To develop this technology, we will consider different sensor options, which can be installed, calibrated, and put into operation both on-board (GNSS, LiDAR, cameras, radar) and from infrastructure (LiDAR, camera), also having digital twin capabilities.

Among the sensors, we have different LiDARs (Ouster, Velodyne, Robosense, and Valeo), which represent a large part of the available market for this technology. Regarding vision systems, we have different camera models that allow the creation of a multi-sensor system. We also have several global positioning methods (GNSS), both single-antenna and dual-antenna devices that allow for better estimation of the vehicle’s orientation.

Safe integration of drones in U-space environments and autonomous operations

We promote the safe integration of drones in U-space environments and autonomous, remote, and unattended operations. It develops infrastructure, services, and proprietary technology, including a cyber-secure command and control platform capable of coordinating multiple autonomous vehicles and minimizing human intervention. It leads strategic groups in EUROCAE, EUROCONTROL, and the Alliance for New Mobility Europe, and participates in demonstrators such as H2020 AMU-LED and U-ELCOME. In Spain, it leads the COMANDO initiative and is a Cervera center supported by the Center for Industrial Technological Development. Additionally, it manages advanced AI, cybersecurity, and robotics infrastructures to validate urban air mobility solutions.
Photo: from those in the download link of point 1, we would put the control station

Cybersecurity Capabilities:

Generation of a new hybrid cybersecurity 5.0 concept with integration over digital twins of different subsystems and artificial intelligence. It is based on: (i) the construction of real OT + SIEM frameworks that include a physical-digital characterization of critical infrastructures for offensive/defensive cyber learning, and (ii) the development of augmented and interactive learning tools from an expert knowledge base with artificial intelligence based on monitoring and triangulation of anomalies with patterns and traces extracted from cyber threats. It allows the application of acquired knowledge to different sectors or essential services through research ecosystems with leading companies in the cybersecurity sector for the implementation of non-destructive offensive/defensive environments on highly connected infrastructures.

UAV development capability:

Design and optimization of unmanned vehicles to ensure their suitability for service conditions. The optimization includes structural, dynamic, environmental perception, and communication aspects. Regarding the structural aspect, the design tools used and the center’s knowledge allow for the selection of the most suitable materials and compliance with multiphysical requirements. In the dynamic field, customized propulsion and power management solutions are implemented to maximize performance and features, minimizing the thermal and acoustic footprint. Likewise, the vehicles implement integrated environmental perception systems with increased capability in low-speed conditions. The onboard communication systems enable cyber-secured connectivity of the UAVs.

Testing capability in relevant environments

Cidaut has a 25-hectare test track, which combines paved tracks and paths with rugged terrain areas where different operational environments can be emulated for the validation of both vehicles and swarms. The facilities can reproduce all types of operational and connectivity environments. Additionally, the tracks are equipped with measurement equipment that allows for the determination of representative parameters of the different tests to be carried out.

Advanced prototyping with integrated HW-SW architectures

The advanced prototyping capability with integrated hardware-software architectures will allow CTAG to design and validate multimodal autonomous platforms from a systemic perspective. This competence involves the coordinated integration of sensors, actuators, processing units, and control algorithms in controlled and progressively more demanding test environments. The combination of advanced perception, sensor fusion, and adaptive HMI systems will facilitate safe interaction between operator and vehicle, even in complex scenarios. Furthermore, the modular and scalable approach of the architecture will enable rapid iterations and continuous performance optimization. As a result, CTAG will strengthen its ability to develop robust technological demonstrators, reducing technical risks before their validation in real operational environments.

Validation and certification in complex tactical environments

The evolution of validation infrastructures towards complex tactical environments will allow CTAG to evaluate autonomous technologies in conditions close to real operations. This capability encompasses simulation and testing in scenarios with adverse weather, uneven terrains, and dynamic situations of high uncertainty. The knowledge acquired will strengthen the certification processes of critical systems, ensuring reliability, resilience, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, testing methodologies that integrate functional safety, cybersecurity, and operational performance metrics will be optimized. Thanks to this competence, CTAG will expand its expertise beyond conventional automotive, positioning itself as a reference in the validation of autonomous platforms oriented towards both defense and civil security.

Leadership in lightweight, robust, and efficient structures

The reinforcement in the design of lightweight and robust structures will consolidate CTAG’s position in the development of efficient and resilient autonomous platforms. This capability combines the use of advanced materials, such as high-strength composites, with structural optimization techniques aimed at reducing weight without compromising mechanical integrity. The improvement in energy efficiency will allow for extended operational autonomy, a critical aspect in dual defense and civil security missions. In parallel, resistance to impacts, vibrations, and extreme conditions will be increased. This combination of lightness, robustness, and energy efficiency will guarantee solutions capable of sustained operation in demanding environments, maximizing performance and reliability.

Industrialization and advanced manufacturing of autonomous platforms

The improvement in industrialization and advanced manufacturing processes will allow CTAG to scale developments from the laboratory to real applications. This capability includes the definition of specific production processes for autonomous platforms, integrating automation, advanced quality control, and flexible manufacturing methodologies. The know-how acquired will facilitate the efficient transition from functional prototypes to reproducible solutions on a larger scale, reducing costs and development times. Additionally, criteria of traceability, standardization, and industrial robustness oriented towards high-demand sectors will be incorporated. Altogether, this competence will position CTAG as a strategic player capable of transforming technological innovation into viable products for defense and civil security.