Advancing autonomous systems and robotics for high-risk disaster response, strengthening disaster resilience in conflict-afflicted crisis zones

The main goal of this opportunity is to advance and deploy autonomous systems designed for high-risk situations, especially those arising from conflict-related disasters. The focus is on improving the safety and effectiveness of responders, safeguarding infrastructure and communities, and boosting operational efficiency in extreme conditions. Key areas include developing versatile autonomous systems for tasks like search and rescue, enhancing remote sensing for safer assessments, and improving navigation in challenging environments. Real-world testing and training for first responders are also emphasized. The geographic scope covers EU Member States, Associated Countries, and Ukraine, with some provisions for additional non-EU participants.

• Development of multi-function autonomous systems for civilian operations in conflict-driven disaster zones.

• Creation of remote sensing and situational awareness technologies for safer, real-time disaster assessment.

• Design of autonomous navigation and search tools for low-visibility, high-risk environments.

• Implementation of user-centred testing protocols in conflict-simulated urban disaster environments.

• Development of capacity-building and training programs for deployment of autonomous systems by first responders.

Examples:

• A project where a European-Ukrainian team develops drones for search and rescue in war-affected towns.
• A consortium creates sensor-equipped robots to assess hazards in disaster zones and trains local emergency teams to use them.
• A partnership between three countries designs autonomous vehicles for delivering medical supplies in conflict areas, using European satellite navigation data.

• Personnel costs
• Subcontracting
• Travel and subsistence
• Equipment (depreciation or rental)
• Consumables and materials
• Dissemination and communication
• Access to research infrastructure
• IPR and certification
• Audit costs
• Indirect costs (25% flat rate)
• Internally invoiced services

• Budget for this Call: 5,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1
• Budget per grant: 5,000,000€

• Consortium must include at least three first responders' organizations or agencies from at least three different EU Member States or Associated Countries, including Ukraine.
• At least one partner must be from Ukraine.
• Applicants must complete the required table on security practitioners in the application form using the provided template.
• If using satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, or timing data and services, applicants must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS systems (other systems may also be used).