Robotic-biological systems for detection and identification of explosive ordnance: concept, general structure, and models

The subject of this study is systems for detection and identification (D&I) of explosive ordnance (EO). The aim of this study is to develop a concept, general structure, and models of a robotic-biological system for D&I of EO (RBS-D&I). The objectives are as follows: 1) to classify mobile systems for D&I of EO and suggest a concept of RBS-D&I; 2) to develop the general structure of RBS-D&I consisting of robotic (flying and ground) and biological subsystems; 3) to develop models of RBS-D&I including automaton, hierarchical, and operational ones; 4) to describe tasks and planned results of the article-related scientific project; and 5) to discuss research results. The following results were obtained. 1) The general structure of the RBS-D&I. The structure comprises the following levels: control and processing centres (mobile ground control and processing centre (MGCPC) and virtual control and processing centre); forces for detection and identification (fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (FoU), biological detection information subsystem (BDIS), and robotic detection information subsystem (RDIS)); interference; natural covers and a bedding surface; and target objects (all munitions containing explosives, nuclear fission or fusion materials and biological and chemical agents). 2) A concept of RBS-D&I. The concept is based on RBS-D&I description, analysis, development, and operation as an integrated complex cyber-physical and cyber-biological system running in changing physical and information environments. 3) The RBS-D&I automata model. The model describes RBS-D&I operating in two modes. In mode 1, FoU and BDIS operate separately and interact through the MGCPC only. In mode 2, depending on the specifics of the tasks performed, FoU and RDIS can directly interact among themselves or through the MGCPC. 4) hierarchical model.  The model has two sets of vertices: EO detection and platforms equipped with the necessary sensors. 5) An operational cycle model. The model describes land release operations via a methodology of functional modeling and graphic description of IDEF0 processes. Conclusions. The proposed concept and RBS-D&I solutions can provide high-performance and guaranteed EO detection in designated areas by the implementation of an intelligent platform and tools for planning the use of multifunctional fleets of UAVs and other RBS-D&I subsystems.