DETECT TO PROTECT AND STAY OPERATIONAL™

Project background, progress and development

We will develop sensor technology that contributes to early identification, diagnostics, warning and communication to prevent armed forces from being exposed to CBRN agents.

Watchbird® mini multi-sensor concept

The goal is to increase or maintain the armed forces’ operational capability in a situation where units are exposed to CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) means.

The partners are working on developing a mini multi-sensor that can be attached to individual soldiers, to vehicles, equipment, drones, and be deployed in the terrain etc. The sensor will alert about personal exposure, communicate this information to other sensors and thereby alert other personnel. Data from the sensors can be fused to provide a realistic CBRN situational awareness on multiple levels and in multiple geographical areas.

Cooperation and distribution of roles

The close collaboration between the Norwegian Armed Forces, FFI and Watchbird will provide an unique understanding and insight into operational needs, applied R&D and preferred solutions implemented in today’s and future defence operations.

Technology development/platform

The following priorities are given for sensor technology development against CBRN threats:

Priority 1: Chemical warfare agents
Priority 2: Cognitive and physiological state

  • Communication: Explore available communication solutions.

  • Optimal Battery technology: Explore available battery technology in the short term, engage with leading environments for improved longer term solutions.

  • Health monitoring: Engage with leading environments, capitalize on existing sensor technology.

  • Protective actions: Engage with leading environments, conduct military testing and fast improvement.

Laboratory and functional field investigations. Two complementary ways of performing scenario tests.

Project development

Watchbird has 3 SAFE and 1 CBRN projects ongoing. The SAFE projects:

A civil facegaiter currently going through military testing at FFI and Norwegian Navy special operation forces (SOF) as a protection product at TRL 6-7.

A mould spore sensor pilot project together with FFI and the Norwegian Navy, detecting mould spores on frigates. The project is currently under development at TRL level 5-7.

A pressure and emission sensor pilot project together with FFI and Norwegian soldiers testing their health risk exposure to pressure and emissions during active duty, training and operation. The project is currently under development at TRL level 3-5.

The CBRN project:

An onging R&D CBRN sensor project together with FFI, Norwegian Universities and De Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek (TNO), developing countermeasures against chemical agents. It is currently at TRL level 3-5.

The project development plan


“Innovation is also ammunition. Tight finances force us to find smart solutions. We cannot afford to discard ideas that contribute to tomorrow's application of technology.”

Lars Lervik Major General, Chief of the Royal Norwegian army &
Morten Eggen Brigader, Chief of the Norwegian home guard
Forsvaretsforum.no, 6. juni 2023

The primary purpose of using technology readiness levels (TRLs) is to help management in making decisions concerning the development and transitioning of technology. It should be viewed as one of several tools that are needed to manage the progress of research and development activity within an organization.

Source: The 9 Technology Readiness Levels of the US Department of Defence (DoD)

Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) in the Department of Defense

The purpose of TRL is to measure the maturity of technology components for a system. The measurement provides a tool for neutral understanding of how much development a certain technology needs before being finalized and ready for market launch.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is based on a scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology. The use of TRLs enables consistent, uniform, discussions of technical maturity across different types of technologies. Decision authorities will consider the recommended TRLs when assessing program risk.

Watchbird is working closely with Data Respons as partner for technical development of sensors, information handling, analysis and communication.

Data Respons is a growth company and a pure-play digital leader with an in-depth expertise in software development, R&D services, advanced embedded systems and IoT solutions. With 30 years of experience and 1650 Specialists. The headquarter of Data Respons is located in Oslo, Norway, and the company has subsidiaries and offices in the Nordics, Germany & Taiwan.

Data Respons provide R&D services and smart embedded solutions to OEM companies, system integrators and vertical product suppliers in a range of market segments such as Mobility, Industry Automation, Telecom Media, Space, Defence Security, MedTech, Energy.

For more information see web page: https://datarespons.com