US Ignite today announces a new contract for $6.97 million from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) to continue the successful Smart Installation and Community Dashboard (SICD) program at Fort Moore, Georgia. The contract follows the development and deployment of three key software applications in the SICD program, all of which were designed to help provide a common operating picture to leaders at the installation.
The SICD was created as a web-based dashboard. Working in close collaboration with ERDC, officials at Fort Moore, and industry-leading partners and vendors, US Ignite spearheaded the development of three cutting-edge applications that leverage Internet of Things (IoT) sensor networks, data analytics, artificial intelligence, data fusion, and machine learning. These custom-built solutions include a heat risk management application, a building fault detection and energy-waste savings tool, and an intelligent remote surveillance system.
Heat Risk Management (HRM) App: Due to intense regional heat, Fort Moore’s demanding training operations are constantly threatened by heat-related injuries. US Ignite developed the HRM application to streamline the monitoring and assessment of heat risk levels. Leveraging data from a heat index sensor installed at Fort Moore and other weather data, the application delivers real-time alerts and recommended actions directly to training officers’ phones via SMS text messages.
Building Fault Detection Tool: The heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and other electrical systems of installation buildings inevitably run into issues that lead to wasted energy and potentially costly system failures. US Ignite’s tool employs cutting-edge AI/ML-based algorithms to identify and alert stakeholders about when these building-level system faults occur or are about to occur. The tool fuses data from siloed energy consumption meter data and correlates with facility level information reducing energy waste and enhancing overall energy efficiency.
Remote Surveillance System: Monitoring Fort Moore’s 182,000 acres through traditional methods presents a manpower challenge for the Fort Moore Directorate of Emergency Services (DES). US Ignite worked with DES to identify and deploy an intelligent video system that utilizes the Live View Technologies (LVT) remote surveillance equipment and user interface. To further enhance the LVT solution US Ignite also partnered with Colorado State University to develop and integrate an algorithm capable of distinguishing between soldiers and civilians.
“The Smart Installation and Community Dashboard will prove invaluable in addressing challenges unique to Fort Moore,” said Brandon Cockrell, Deputy Garrison Commander at FMGA. “The solutions brought by US Ignite will improve our security, promote safety, and produce more efficient operations. These solutions will allow leaders the visibility of installation activities they’ve never before possessed.”
The successful delivery of these initial SICD applications has earned US Ignite an additional investment of $6.974M from ERDC. This funding will be dedicated to enhancing the applications with user feedback and improved data methodologies and identifying the requirements for transitioning the hosting of the SICD from US Ignite to the Army.
“We are proud to support the Smart Installation and Community Dashboard Program at Fort Moore,” said Natalie Myers, Program Manager at ERDC’s -Construction Engineering Research Laboratory. “This initiative aligns with our ongoing Army modernization goals, leveraging innovative technologies to enhance operational efficiency and safety. We are committed to advancing cutting-edge solutions for the benefit of our military operations.”
In the next phase of the SICD program, US Ignite also plans to develop additional applications and use cases, such as utility monitoring and master planning modernization. The funds will also enable US Ignite to build an Installation Operation Tool to provide a system of systems that combines the various management interfaces that the Installation uses into a unified command and control tool.
“We’re excited about the impact our Smart Installation and Community Dashboard Program is making at Fort Moore and the continued improvements in store for the program’s next phase,” said Dr. Nick Maynard, US Ignite CEO. “The successful deployment of these technically complex applications demonstrates the effectiveness of our collaborative approach with the stakeholders. The additional $6.97 million in funding reflects the confidence placed in our ability to drive innovation in Army modernization.”
For more information visit US Ignites’ Smart Bases program page at us-ignite.org/program/smart-bases-and-installations/.
About US Ignite:
US Ignite collaborates with smart communities and research testbeds to drive high-impact solutions to their toughest challenges. Operating like a high-tech startup, our organization delivers timely results by applying technical expertise, stakeholder engagement, and targeted tools. US Ignite works tirelessly to ensure our programs are effective and reach the communities that need them the most. For more information go to us-ignite.org.
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