Alternative communication infrastructures in heterogeneous swarms (ALKATRAS)

The objective of this research is to develop alternative (non-radio-based) communication technologies that facilitate seamless communication between heterogeneous networks, even under challenging environmental conditions, thereby enabling the "human in the loop" to play a crucial role. Approaches that utilise a combination of communication technologies (mechanical, optical, acoustic, electromagnetic) as hybrid communication, depending on the environmental conditions, could be a viable solution to maintaining robust communication. The background to this issue is, firstly, the increasing use of electronic jamming measures in current war and conflict situations. The purpose of these measures is to prevent or interfere with standard communication in the electromagnetic spectrum. Conversely, robotic systems encounter significant challenges in communicating in conditions characterised by rough terrain or inclement weather. A communication payload that is resistant to interference has the capacity to significantly increase the resilience of a network.