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AROBS AlertBox

Our team at AROBS Engineering performed a complex research and development project, named AROBS AlertBox, which assures access to E-alert messages and emergency lines in environments that lack reliable GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication). 

They conceived an emergency alert box that connects, via two global satellite constellation systems (IRIDIUM and Starlink) to the national emergency response systems. AlertBox will ensure emergency communication in critical situations when communication channels are compromised. It will save lives and reduce economic losses in pressing occurrences such as natural or unnatural disasters resulting from human activity. 

Enhancing Safety in Remote Areas Through Space Technology

AROBS Engineering is included in the ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) program, which is financed by the European Space Agency (ESA). ARTES focuses on understanding and developing space applications that would contribute to public safety. 

Our R&D project aims to acknowledge and address the existing issues in the VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world in which we operate, leaving Romania’s remote, unconnected areas extremely vulnerable. 

The Challenge

Remote Romanian regions lack dependable GSM coverage, and the general population cannot access emergency services like 112 and RO-Alert. 

A similar deficiency challenges densely populated Romanian urban areas, helpless to the lack of GSM backup solutions. The risk of losing GSM coverage during a catastrophic event that disrupts the local power grid is very high. 

The Solution:

The AROBS AlertBox product will address these challenges and act as a stand-alone unit connected via satellite with a centralized secure server. The server, in turn, will communicate with local and national entities providing 112 and E-alert services. 

These devices will offer access to the following two critical services during catastrophic events: 

  1. People can use the box and send 112 texts to report an emergency.
  2. People can see the RO-Alert text messages published by the local authorities on display, a feature they would have usually seen on their mobile devices if the area had functioning GSM connectivity.

Public and private agencies/entities can use the alert box in busy areas or remote locations without reliable GSM coverage.  

 

  1. Operating system 
  • Linux 64-bit version 
  1. Processor
  • ARM Cortex-A53 
  • 1 GHz frequency 
  • 4-Core CPU 
  • 64-bit architecture 
  1. Device
  • Anti-Vandal Stainless Steel 
  • IP65 rating 
  • 400 x 300 x 150 dimensions 
  1. Display
  • 10.1 inch 
  • Capacitive 
  • IPS 
  • 1280×800 resolution 
  • 239 x 135 mm dimension 
  1. Keypad
  • Anti-Vandal Stainless Steel 
  • 20 keys 
  • IP 65 rating 
  • 120 x 80 mm dimension 
  1. Connectivity
  • Iridium Short Burst Data 
  1. Power Supply
  • Standard 220V 50Hz 
  1. Backup Battery
  • Built-in rechargeable battery 
  • Up to 8 hours of autonomy 

The Benefits

AROBS Engineering developed an innovative emergency communication system to strengthen response strategies and provide timely, reliable alerts for areas that lack dependable communication infrastructure. The AROBS AlertBox guarantees that access to emergency response (112) and crucial information from government agencies reach the impacted community by remaining operational even in areas with disrupted power grids. 

 

Cost-effective and globally scalable  

Because of its durable and compact design, this backup system is cost-effective and easily scalable. The system features a double connection setup that improves reliability and ensures constant emergency communication. The AlertBox will connect to two global satellite constellation systems (IRIDIUM and Starlink). The link to the IGSU (Romanian General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations)/STS (Special Telecommunication Service) will be established using the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) over TLS (Transport Layer Security) for secure communication. 

The system’s potential exceeds Romanian borders. The solution may enable emergency communication systems worldwide. 

Space R&D Expertise

With 22 years of experience, AROBS Engineering excels at creating embedded software solutions for critical systems. Their proficiency extends to over a decade of developing complex onboard software solutions for space. The long-term partnership with the European Space Agency is a testament to the team’s commitment and reliability. 

Read more about the project on the projects’ ESA page. 

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