Objectives of the service
Project OVERVIEW aims to develop and demonstrate an intelligent robotic response system that enables operators of critical energy infrastructure to respond more quickly and safely to perimeter security events.
The solution integrates autonomous aerial and ground robotic platforms with resilient communications and existing site security systems. When a perimeter alarm is triggered, the system automatically dispatches the appropriate robotic assets to the incident location, where visual and thermal sensors provide live video and data directly to security personnel.
The architecture is designed to be modular and scalable, allowing it to be adapted to sites of different sizes and operational requirements. Although the project demonstration is focused on a UK nuclear site, the technology has the potential to support a wide range of critical infrastructure environments where rapid remote situational awareness is essential.
Users and their needs
The primary users are security and operations teams responsible for protecting critical national infrastructure, with the demonstration being carried out at an EDF Nuclear site in the United Kingdom. Following this, target user groups also expand to airports and wider infrastructure sectors.
Key user needs include:
-
Rapid verification of perimeter alarms to distinguish genuine threats from false alarms.
-
Improved situational awareness through live visual and thermal imagery before personnel are deployed.
-
Reduced risk to security staff by avoiding unnecessary attendance at potentially dangerous incidents.
-
Faster, more informed operational decision-making.
-
Integration with existing security systems and operational workflows.
-
Reliable communications across large or challenging sites.
-
A scalable solution that can be adapted to different facility layouts and security requirements.
-
Reliable robotics that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Service/ system concept
Project OVERVIEW provides an integrated robotic response capability that works alongside existing perimeter security systems.
When an intrusion or perimeter alarm is detected, the command system automatically dispatches an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), or both, to the location of the event. Equipped with high-definition visual and thermal cameras, the robotic platforms stream live video over resilient communications links to the site's security control room.
Operators receive immediate visual confirmation of the incident, enabling them to assess the situation remotely and determine the appropriate response. This improves response times while reducing unnecessary deployment of personnel.
The system combines robotic platforms, intelligent mission management software, resilient hybrid connectivity, secure cloud-based management services and user-friendly operator interfaces into a single integrated solution. Its modular architecture allows the capability to be tailored to different site sizes, operational requirements, bespoke payloads, and future technology upgrades.
Space Added Value
OVERVIEW benefits from space-enabled communications to provide resilient connectivity between robotic platforms and security control rooms, particularly where terrestrial communications may be unavailable, congested or disrupted.
By combining satellite communications with terrestrial networks, the solution can maintain reliable transmission of live video, telemetry and command data, helping ensure continuous situational awareness during security incidents. This hybrid communications approach increases operational resilience compared with reliance on a single communications technology.
Space-enabled connectivity also supports deployment across geographically dispersed or remote critical infrastructure sites, allowing operators to maintain secure communications even in challenging environments.
The combination of autonomous robotics, intelligent mission management and resilient space-enabled communications delivers a capability that enhances security, improves operational efficiency and increases the resilience of critical national infrastructure.
Current Status
Since the project officially commenced in August 2026, the consortium has been focused on establishing the foundations for the OVERVIEW system and progressing the solution towards its first major design review.
Key activities to date include:
-
Consortium mobilisation, with regular collaboration established across the project team and pilot user.
-
System architecture definition, including the identification of the core system components, their locations and the power and infrastructure requirements for deployment.
-
UAV and UGV platform selection and procurement, taking into account the operational requirements and expectations of the pilot environment.
-
User needs and system requirements development, establishing the capabilities required to support the intended security and monitoring use cases.
-
Initial mission and payload definition, considering how cameras and communications equipment can be incorporated within a modular platform architecture.
-
Engagement with the pilot user, ensuring the developing solution reflects the operational environment and practical requirements of the site.
-
Engineering and design development, with the team now progressing towards the project's Critical Design Review.
Prime Contractor(s)
