Anti-personnel mines pose an immense problem not only for soldiers, but also for the civilian population and agriculture, even decades after the end of a conflict. Despite international condemnation and agreements, anti-personnel mines are still being used on a massive scale in the Ukraine conflict - it is not known exactly where they are being placed. This shows that innovative multi-sensor instruments are needed to effectively search large areas and detect mine placements.
Sensor technology helps to detect mine barriers and laying patterns
This is where Minesweeper comes in: Equipped with sensors, the drone is used to detect mine barriers and laying patterns quickly and precisely. In the first field test, a magnetometer was used to measure the direction and strength of a magnetic field. Equipped with an AI-based analysis, the “Minesweeper” software evaluates and assesses the collected data in parallel. The mine finds and mine-free passageways are visualized on a map.
The software was originally developed by the start-up ASDRO GmbH from Essen to detect possible explosive ordnance in the subsoil and has now been adapted to the needs of the troops together with the CIHBw.
Acceleration of the reconnaissance and exploration rate
The next step in the development of the software would be to integrate various sensor technologies (ground radar, infrared and thermal technology) as a platform solution and AI-supported systems, as well as a connection to the Bundeswehr's battle management system. This would allow the collected data and mine coordinates to be made available to other units. The first field test was promising and the conclusion is clear: The use of technologies such as the “Minesweeper” software accelerates the reconnaissance and reconnaissance rate and thus minimizes the risk for soldiers.
