Project Summary

Long Range all-weather detection, identification and classification of objects through direct communication utilising passive tag technology excited by existing automotive grade radar

Project Achievements

R4DAR Technologies used the T-TRIG grant to fund the proof of concept investigation and development of a low-cost, light weight identification beacon capable of being read by an automotive grade radar. This work has been key to providing the technical foundations for the innovation while providing credibility when forging strong industry relationships as we look to trial and demonstrate this technology as part of the Smart Mobility Living lab (SMLL).

Conclusions

R4DAR have successfully proven in simulation that it is possible to encode extra information onto a reflected radar signal and then decode that information within an automotive grade radar. We were not able to manufacture the proof of concept beacon hardware within the timescale of the T-TRIG grant but we are on schedule to trial and demonstrate our innovation in 2021 as part of a UKRI “Future of Flight” grant. R4DAR in partnership with the Satellite Applications Catapult, Oxfordshire County Council and three other influential SME’s will trial a system solution based around R4DARs beacon technology. The system will provide drones with a localised navigation and surveillance capability essential for safe operation in high risk very low-level flight (VLLF) environments.