MIDAS Programme
Mine and IED Detection Augmented by Satellite
Consortium Group: Maelstrom – Chelton Ltd [Formally Cobham] – Optima Group – NEXT Ingegneria Dei Sistemi SPA – Metis Aerospace Ltd
During the last four years we’ve been working as part of a consortium group investigating viable solutions for humanitarian demining. We were successful with our research project proposal to ESA [European Space Agency] which requires the inclusion of space related technologies as part of the core tracking hardware. Using our extensive experience in the training & simulation field we have developed both immersive [VR] and non-immersive training solutions.
The MIDAS training systems are designed to accurately emulate the real world detector during normal operation. Through a series of tracking sensors the MIDAS software monitors the detector and user during the training session and collates valuable operator data for immediate feedback or review.
ITS – Indoor Training System:
The ITS is designed for indoor use, any time of day, whatever the weather. The system features wireless electromagnetic 6 DoF (degrees of freedom) tracking sensors and is scalable to support many different requirements. The ITS is an adaptation of an earlier system developed specifically for military mine & IED clearance training and includes updated software and hardware features; instructor/client training software, multi-user networked clients & totally wireless trainee system.
OTS – Outdoor Training System:
The OTS is the next evolution in virtual mine & IED clearance training. It is designed to work outdoor and mimic conventional training practices but with the addition of accurate trainee data capture, visualisation and review. The system has multiple integrated sensors including motion, height, temp, angle & position using a GNSS RTK corrected satellite positioning system. The system does not require a VR headset as it is designed to emulate the actual detector and the process of operation during training.
Training Software:
The training software developed for the MIDAS programme is identical on both the ITS & OTS systems. The instructor application runs on a rugged laptop and is networked via Wi-Fi to each client trainee system. The instructor application is the hub of the system and all training sessions are started, monitored, recorded and reviewed from the laptop. Trainee & instructor records are created on the system and all corresponding session data (including historical analysis for coaching) is automatically stored in the relevant database for each individual.
MIDAS demonstration to unmas
Understanding IED's
UN HQ in New York: Workshops for member states and UN staff
The workshops emphasised the crucial role that the United Nations must undertake to ensure that there is proper sharing of information about the technology used in the devices being encountered. The need for adequate and evolving training, and the budgets to buy the equipment that will keep explosive ordinance disposal officers, peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel safe.
Demonstration of our MIDAS (Mine & IED detection) Training System to delegates and staff of the UN. The focus of the conference was to improve awareness and understanding of the threat of IEDs and the impact on the UN in recent years now that their convoys and operational bases are being targeted.
A unique ‘interactive’ format was adopted for the conference with opportunities for vendors to demonstrate systems live during relevant presentations throughout the morning.
Link to: UNMAS website with conference details and full unedited footage of both days.
After the lunch break delegates and officials were invited to spend time with the vendors experiencing the systems first hand and to ask any questions relating the specific systems. Demonstrations included; search dogs, disposal suits, decommissioned IEDs, augmented reality and the ITS VR training system presented by Chelton & Maelstrom.
Day 1: Short video clip of Paul Curtis (Product Line Manager – Chelton) introducing the VR training system.
The images above show the delegates and officials getting first hand experience with the training system.
Pictured top right is Karel Van Oosterom – Permanent Representative to the United Nations for the Kingdom of the Netherlands which in 2018 is member of the UN Security Council.
Day 2: Direct input from Bryan Sand (UN Senior Advisor) explaining the benefits of the VR training system.