TEKEVER in Futuro Hoje - SIC Notícias

After a year filled with numerous successful demonstrations throughout the World, TEKEVER's unmanned aerial systems are presented to the Portuguese public in the last edition of Futuro Hoje, in the TV station SIC Notícias.

Dedicated to the new technologies and to a vision of the future of today's society, Futuro Hoje and its host Lourenço Medeiros reveal how TEKEVER's unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are being tested with the National Safety Police (PSP) and take the spotlight as a fundamental tactical support asset for public safety and security operations. The images collected by the UAS AR1 Blue Ray that are now broadcasted in this programme show a monitoring operation in the area of Parque das Nações (Lisbon) and it is quite easy to understand the added-value the AR1 Blue Ray brings to law enforcement action, through the gathering of real time images, the capacity to enable remote analysis and the empowerment of an improved situational awareness with respect to available tactical options. 

Exploring the application of 100% Portuguese technology at the service of Public Safety and Security in Portugal, the TV programme Futuro Hoje highlights how TEKEVER's unmanned aerial systems already deliver advantages to the PSP daily operations, for the benefit of the citizens' safety and security. 

You may watch the AR1 Blue Ray at Futuro Hoje, in

http://sicnoticias.sapo.pt/programas/futurohoje/2013/07/09/aparelhos-nao-tripulados-permitem-sobrevoar-zonas-comandados-a-distancia. 

TEKEVER and National Safety Police – A Technological Partnership at the Service of Security

The TEKEVER Group and the National Safety Police established a technological partnership that combines TEKEVER's autonomous air and land unmanned systems with the Police's high degree of

knowledge and expertise in security operations. This collaboration has enabled to complement the current capacities of the Portuguese Security Forces with an active that is able to promote true airborne superiority.

"The work developed in close cooperation with the Police has made really clear for TEKEVER that our systems are instrumental for the integration of the most advanced information and reconnaissance capabilities in security operations", explains Ricardo Mendes, TEKEVER's Chief Operations Officer. 

"The union of TEKEVER's technology, 100% Portuguese, and the Police's know-how, namely that of the Police's Special Unit, has been consolidating the reinforcement of the national response to the increasing demands of national security missions, including surveillance and monitoring of large areas, urban environments, large events and crowds, enabling a better awareness and understanding of available tactical options for complex law enforcement operations.", says the Sub-Commissioner João Moura.

Capable of providing a real-time high-definition image, the AR1 Blue Ray UAS presents electro-optic and infrared sensors that ensure a large operational coverage of day and night environments. "The great advantages of the AR1 Blue Ray UAS come from its capacity to film and display in real time what is unfolding on the terrain, in full HD and with a panoply of cameras that are easily attached to the aircraft. The recording also enables a posteriori detailed approach for a better public safety service, contributing to the overall improvement of the Police's options in the field, acting in execution but also in prevention. And the fact that the AR1 Blue Ray operators are always safe is extremely important. Also the sentiment of security generated by this drone in each citizen is a major benefit that the Police certainly take into account. Therefore, we do see the AR1 Blue Ray UAS as a true manifestation of the technology at the service of the citizen, enriching the Police's set of useful analysis tools and, considering current security challenges, becoming increasingly more indispensable.", highlights the Sub-Commissioner João Moura.

Indeed "TEKEVER has been training several agents to operate with the AR1 Blue Ray UAS, in order to support the National Safety Police and place the Portuguese technology at the Service of Portuguese citizens' safety and security." concluded Ricardo Mendes.

TEKEVER Conducts Successful Trials of the AR4 Light Ray UAS in Colombia

TEKEVER conducted an intensive one-week set of trials of the AR4 Light Ray UAS to the Colombian Armed Forces, to validate the system's powerful capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, under the extreme altitude and weather conditions of Colombia.

With very intense military activity against guerrilla forces and narcotraffic groups, the Colombian Armed Forces are everyday faced with the need to carry out ISTAR missions under extreme weather and geographic conditions. The Colombian landscape is poised with high altitude mountains that contribute to a very instable weather, prune to swift changes and speedy winds. These conditions, coupled with very dense vegetation, pose a true ambitious challenge to the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems by the Colombian Armed Forces.

The technical trials carried out by the AR4 Light Ray UAS were performed at high altitudes, around 3000 meters (about 10.000 feet) and right in the heart of the mountainous region surrounding Bogotá, demonstrating the system’s ability to perform in the most challenging scenarios and under the most demanding weather conditions.

"The trials were a complete success," said Ricardo Mendes, TEKEVER Group COO. "We met and exceeded the goals we had planned for, by demonstrating the usage of the system to perform multiple types of missions in one of the most challenging environments in the world."

In partnership with the Aviation Global Group, TEKEVER's AR4 Light Ray demonstration followed a special invitation from the Colombian Armed Forces in November 2012 to see first-hand the outstanding performance of the system, after its global market launch at the 2012 Farnborough International Air Show.

The Colombian Armed Forces retrieved valuable lessons from the demonstrations, which will be instrumental for its ongoing procurement on mini-UASs that are specially designed for surveillance missions and capable of delivering true airborne superiority. 

"After these trials, we are extremely confident that our system will be successful in fulfilling the special requirements of the Colombian Armed Forces.", said Ricardo Mendes. He reinforced that this opportunity to present the AR4 Light Ray UAS to the Colombian Armed Forces represents an important step towards the reinforcement of Portuguese aeronautics in the global aerospace market. 

TEKEVER IT Hosts the iSAR+ Kick Off Meeting

TEKEVER IT hosted the Kick-Off Meeting (KOM) of the FP7 Research Project iSAR+ Online and Mobile Communications for Crisis Response and Search and Rescue at its Lisbon facilities, signalling the Project's official launch on January 1st 2013.

The meeting was attended by most Project partners and also the EC's Research Executive Agency (REA) representative, Mr. Sakellaris Hourdas, in the quality of the iSAR+ Project Officer, who addressed the audience with several key observations on the successful execution of FP7 projects.

TEKEVER IT is the Coordinator of the iSAR+ Security FP7 research project (http://isar.i112.eu) that aims to develop the iSAR+ Guidelines, providing instructions and recommendations for citizens and PPDRs for an effective and efficient use of social media and mobile technology in crisis situations, and the iSAR+ Platform, integrating ICT tools and functionalities that offer additional communication channels between PPDRs and citizens and enhanced high-quality situational awareness for PPDRs and citizens, during and after a crisis. 

Ranking second in its call's evaluation, iSAR+ is a 2 and a half years Project, with an overall budget of about € 5 millions for the 16 participating institutions of 9 European countries, also benefitting from the valuable contributions of transatlantic expert consultants in Chile and the United States, relevant to explore the applicability of the iSAR+ Guidelines and Platform to non-European markets.

TEKEVER ASDS at the Unified Vision 2014

TEKEVER ASDS has been invited to participate in NATO's Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG) exploratory group meeting Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Trial Unified Vision 2014.

Following previous work in this domain, TEKEVER ASDS will be Portugal's National Focal Point for the execution of the Joint ISR Trial Unified Vision 2014 (UV14), an interoperability trial conducted in an operational (live fly) environment dedicated to demonstrate joint ISR information exchange. UV14 will also help prepare NATO for the delivery of Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) and related JISR Initiative capability packages in 2016.

It already is well-known NATO’s growing appreciation of the need for a common ISR platform, following the decision to acquire a new, NATO-owned and -operated ground surveillance system, based on Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with advanced ground-surveillance radars and able to provide every NATO ally access to collected ISR data.

As with Unified Vision 2012, conducted under the direction of the Joint Capability Group Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JCGISR) at the Norwegian air force base Ørland, UV14 is a joint trial to test a joint reconnaissance data network integrating the various reconnaissance platforms and components of the different branches of the armed forces of the participating nations. 

The contributions from industry will be concentrated in the NIAG SG174 - Industrial Contribution to demonstration of ISR Information Exchange as part of Joint ISR Trial "Unified Vision 2014"study group Joint ISR Trial Unified Vision 2014.

TEKEVER Technology Promotes SKYMEDIA's Successful Field Demonstration

The SkyMedia Project (http://www.ict-skymedia.eu) successfully demonstrated its technology accomplishments in the 26th edition of the Turin Marathon 2012, this Sunday. 

This final demonstration of the complete SkyMedia system delivered the Marathon's audience a richer and more complete multimedia experience that involved a group of runners with wearable sensors that monitored in real-time the runners' position, speed, pace and biometric parameters during the race. A special audience group was selected amongst sponsors, VIP, press and business partners to view that live tracked data through mobile applications and touchscreen interactive displays with 3D video augmentation technology. Also a group of spectators followed the race from their smartphones and from HD or 3D screens deployed along the Marathon's course, using a dedicated iPad application, available for download from the AppStore.

TEKEVER Communication Systems' WAC radios were successful in providing all communications between the UAV, collecting Marathon content, and the ground command centre. Additionally, also the wireless sensors network and data fusion enabled applications developed by TEKEVER IT were used by runners to augment the 3D video content capture, supported by other system components. Indeed, for SkyMedia, TEKEVER IT delivers expertise in the software platforms for embedded systems, wireless sensor and ad-hoc networks (WSAN) and focuses on the WSAN development and integration.

SkyMedia or UAV-based capturing of HD/3D content with WSN augmentation, real-time processing and immaterial rendering for immersive media experiences is a FP7 ICT research project that aims to explore, design and demonstrate a novel scalable and easy to manage multimedia end-to-end architecture that provides unique immersive media experiences to audiences during live events.

TEKEVER Unveils AR5 Life Ray in Portugal

TEKEVER publicly presents for the first time in Portugal the latest addition to its family of Unmanned Aerial Systems, the Tactical UAS AR5 Life Ray, at the AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) Annual Convention, taking place on October 10th-12th, in Lisbon. TEKEVER sponsors the most important event for ASD, an Association that has 28 member associations in 20 countries, representing more than 2,000 companies with approximately 80,000 suppliers and bringing together the major players at the ASDS market.

Specifically designed for Maritime and Near-Shore Surveillance and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, the AR5 Life Ray is an impressive 9-meter wingspan platform, able to achieve a cruise speed of 120 km/h, carry a 90-kg payload for multiple sensors and provide satellite communications, thus delivering a new added advantage to current monitoring activities and rescue operations. 

"For centuries, Portugal has looked towards the Sea for technological, social, cultural and economic prosperity. Once, we led innovation in Maritime environments, and it gave us greatness. Now, we are working hard to really push the envelope of technology with the AR5 Life Ray UAS, and it makes a lot of sense that a great product, primarily targeted to the Maritime Market, comes from Portugal.", commented TEKEVER’s COO Ricardo Mendes. The AR5 Life Ray is scheduled to begin operational tests in 2013.

TEKEVER’s UAS Presented in Las Vegas to the American Market

The AR4 Light Ray, TEKEVER’s fully autonomous UAS, will be present at this year’s edition of the AUVSI Unmanned Systems North America Conference and Exhibition, which takes place in Las Vegas from 6th to 9th of August.

With this international endeavour, TEKEVER positions itself as a potential supplier to the American and every pro-American market, for the United States and Israel have dominated this technology and associated sales worldwide.

TEKEVER’s move onto the American market is the logic, almost compulsory, follow-up after the extraordinary performance of the AR4 Light Ray at the Farnborough International Air Show, in the United Kingdom, where it flew daily between July 9th and 13th, thus becoming the first fully autonomous UAS to fly in this emblematic aeronautics industry.

The official presentation to the United States’ market of the AR4’s advanced capabilities for ISTAR missions will take place at the most prestigious event on unmanned vehicles and systems – the AUVSI Unmanned Systems North America Conference and Exhibition. 

The AUVSI Las Vegas 2012 Show is the ideal stage for that presentation, for it remains the primary forum for exhibiting and debating unmanned systems and technologies, gathering the main players in the market: organisations, companies and governmental entities from more than 40 countries.

TEKEVER’s UAS at Farnborough Stars in BBC Show

The AR4 Light Ray, TEKEVER’s UAS launched into the global market at the Farnborough Air Show 2012, was presented by the BBC journalist Anita Rani, in a prime time live broadcast from Farnborough, as “the example in Farnborough of the growing importance of unmanned aerial systems”. 

In BBC’s “The One Show”, it was also displayed a segment of the video footage produced by the AR4 while in flight, showing Farnborough’s Airport, the exhibition area and the many aircraft in the airfield (http://autonomous.tekever.com/ar4/index.html). 

The attention given by the British media to the Portuguese UAS is coherent with the enormous interest the aerospace industry and aeronautics professionals have expressed in regards to this first aeronautical product from the TEKEVER Group, which surprises for its effectiveness, flexibility and total ownership cost.

Farnborough 2012 sets Portugal’s entry into the world market of autonomous aerial systems, for the four public flights performed by the AR4 Light Ray, from July 9th to 13th, have attained high-performance levels, in spite of the intense rain and 25-knot wind weather conditions. 

Being the first fully autonomous UAS to perform outdoor flight demonstrations at the Farnborough International Air Show, already in its 48th edition, the AR4 Light Ray has granged the attention of clients, partners, government officials and media throughout the entire week.

Ricardo Mendes, TEKEVER Group’s COO, confirms in the meantime negotiations with different organisations in several continents. 

TEKEVER Disrupts The Unmanned Aerial Systems Market !

AR4 Light Ray in Flight

TEKEVER’s presence at this year’s Farnborough Air Show will be focused on the unmanned aerial systems market. TEKEVER’s AR4 Light Ray will be the first fully autonomous UAS to be exhibited in an international Air Show, performing daily flights between July 9th and 13th.

The AR4 Light Ray is a state-of-the-art mini UAS providing advanced capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions in the most challenging conditions. Featuring a broad sensor payload portfolio, this hand-launched modular UAV platform is extremely adaptable and easy to operate, requiring minimum training and providing precise situational awareness whenever needed. Offering multiple modes of operation, from remotely controlled to fully autonomous, “the AR4 Light Ray delivers true airborne superiority, unprecedented operational readiness, reliable communications relay functions and powerful target acquisition capabilities, focused in on-board intelligence and tracking of specific static or moving elements of interest”, announced TEKEVER’s COO Ricardo Mendes. Farnborough will be the stage for the worldwide market launch of the AR4 Light Ray. TEKEVER is already in negotiations with Organizations from several European, Asian and South American countries.

At the 2012 UK Aerospace industry event, TEKEVER will have its own dedicated stand (Hall 2, Booth C6) and will be also exhibiting in the Static Display a 1:1 model of the AR5 Life Ray, a Tactical UAS that “sets new standards for unmanned systems’ performance in Maritime Surveillance and Search and Rescue operations”, said Ricardo Mendes. 

Best Paper Award for TEKEVER at ICCRTS 2012

TEKEVER received the Best Paper Award of the 17th International Command and Control Research and Technology Symposium (ICCRTS) that was held from June 19th to 21st in Fairfax, USA.

TEKEVER’s paper describes “The Role of Social Media in Crisis: A European Holistic Approach to the Adoption of Online and Mobile Communications in Crisis Response and Search and Rescue Efforts” aiming to discuss how citizens and first responders may use mobile and internet technologies to establish an interactive and fruitful dialogue during crises response efforts.

TEKEVER’s scientific paper was selected of a universe of more than 100 articles, presented by researchers, investigators and professionals do command and control from all over the World.

With the 2012 edition dedicated to “Operationalizing C2 Agility”, ICCRTS is the most iconic symposium in the command and control world, hosted by the DoD Command and Control Research Program (CCRP), within the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

To read the ICCRTS 2012 Best Paper, please see http://dodccrp.org/events/17th_iccrts_2012/post_conference/html/best_papers.html 

TEKEVER is the Portuguese Reference in European Security R&D

The TEKEVER Group has been awarded three European Security R&D projects, in the 7th Framework Programme (FP7), in the value of 13 million euros, reinforcing thus its leading position as a provider of disruptive technologies for the Information Technologies, Aeronautics, Space, Defence and Security markets. 

Evaluated as the second Best European project in the Security call, iSAR+ (Online and Mobile Communications for Crisis Response and Search and Rescue) aims to research and develop guidelines and an associated platform that, in crises, enable citizens to use the mobile and internet technologies to become actively involved in the response effort. The SNIFFER (SeNsory devIces network For Food supply chain sEcuRity) Project proposes the concept and development of a distributed sensors network, capable of detecting multiple types of agents and CBR agents in the food supply chain. Finally, the PPDR-TC (Public Protection and Disaster Relief – Transformation Center) goal is to define a roadmap for the adoption of novel emergency communications, using cognitive radio, hybrid networks and UAV technology, ensuring interoperability, security and resilience.

These projects now won by the TEKEVER Group are instrumental in the national entrepreneurship effort that has been consolidating Portugal’s reputation in the European and international R&D community.

For the first time, a Portuguese Group undertakes the coordination of two FP7 – Security projects, an achievement that highlights TEKEVER’s leadership capability and reinforces its unsurpassable reference status in R&D and Innovation for the competitive Security market.

TEKEVER's MEP Project with News Highlight

TEKEVER Aerospace, Defence and Security featured the Portuguese News, with its Project Portable Energy Modules for the Dismounted Soldier (MEP).

TEKEVER ASDS's MEP Project was presented to the Portuguese Defence Minister, during a seminar on Defence Technologies, held yesterday at the facilities of INEGI, also a partner of the MEP Project.

MEP aims at providing the dismounted soldier with more power and increased autonomy while reducing weight, through the use of novel energy generation, harvesting and management technologies.

To view the news report, please go to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvhRlxmC-Rc.

TEKEVER Communication Systems at the RISE Final Conference

TEKEVER Communication Systems was invited to participate at the Final Roundtable of the conference signing the end of Project RISE, dedicated to the responsible research and innovation in biometrics.

TEKEVER Communication Systems contribution focused on the potential benefits (enhanced situational awareness in crises) and drawbacks (limitation to people’s rights) of many security and surveillance technologies, including the software systems used for victims’ tracking and location during emergencies, but also to monitor online content, often in a clearly invasive form. In this respect, TEKEVER Communication Systems is developing innovative research that will contribute to the delicate balance that is still to be reached.

Held at Brussels and hosted by the Centre for Science, Society and Citizenship, RISE’s final conference was attended by experts from twenty-two countries, representing industry, academia, policy makers, data protection authorities and independent think tanks.