SAVELEC

Safe control of non cooperative vehicles through electromagnetic means

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'SAVELEC aims to provide a solution for the external, safe control of a non cooperative vehicle without any consequences on the persons inside the vehicle or other persons and objects nearby. The proposed solution is based on the use of electromagnetic means, electromagnetic pulses (EMP) and high power microwaves (HPM), in order to disrupt the proper behaviour of the electronic components inside the vehicle, which will lead it to slow down and stop. The SAVELEC approach is based on the premise of obtaining an optimized solution in terms of field strength. In this sense, electromagnetic compatibility experiments on key components of cars will be performed in order to evaluate the effect of different types of signals. The consequences of human exposure to the signals chosen will be evaluated in the context of European legislation in order to ensure safety of persons inside the vehicle and in the environment as well as of the user of the technology. The effect in explosive atmospheres regarding exposure to this kind of signal is also within the scope of SAVELEC. A simulated environment will be used for assessing the human driver reactions in different scenarios and driving conditions once the car enters the abnormal behaviour mode as a consequence of the influence of the electromagnetic signal. Legal studies on the use of this technology by the European Security Forces will be carried out and a regulatory framework will be proposed and promoted. Special attention will be paid to the measures needed for assuring a controlled and secure use of this kind of device. The purpose of the project is to design and build a breadboard level prototype for the evaluation of the technology. A real demonstration on cars passing along a controlled track will be performed to assess the technology in a real scenario. The involvement of security forces as end-users in the project is a key factor as regards the necessity of having realistic information about the use-cases, and scenarios.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

An EU team is developing safe ways of arresting a suspect moving vehicle using high-energy electromagnetic fields. Safety testing has begun, and the team is also examining relevant legal and ethical considerations.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Police have various means of stopping vehicles when necessary, but most cause damage and involve some risk. Law enforcement agencies need a safer and simpler method.

Aiming to develop such a method is the EU-funded http://www.savelec-project.eu (SAVELEC) (Safe control of non cooperative vehicles through electromagnetic means) project. The idea involves developing ways of deactivating a vehicle using electronic methods, including electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) and high-power microwaves (HPMs).

The project will address certain remaining questions about its proposals, including safety, legal and ethical concerns. The initiative commenced in early 2012 and runs to mid-2016.

Work during the first reporting period involved defining potential usage and seeking input from stakeholders on this point. The result was nine scenarios. The team also defined high-level mission requirements, such as speed of and distance to target. Further considerations included commercial availability of components and their economic merits. Researchers also reviewed electromagnetic compatibility requirements relating to vehicles and identified vulnerable car systems.

Also during the first period, the consortium established a website and held a workshop. Members established mechanisms for ethical compliance and set up an ethical advisory board.

Second-period work first involved drafting submissions for revision of the EU grant, due to the departure of one project partner. Hence, the project completely rescheduled its proposed timeline.

Subsequent work involved driving simulator studies and obtaining approval for a volunteer test campaign. Using simulations, the team analysed the consequences of human exposure to EMP and HPM signals. Furthermore, the project assessed the risks of using such devices near explosive atmospheres.

The SAVELEC project is expected to yield three major impacts. The work will raise awareness among policymakers and yield a legal framework, demonstrate the value of the technology, and demonstrate safety to citizens.