Boosting the K9's Situational Awareness and Reaction Time with the Use of an Intelligent Vest

Abstract

First responders are tasked to intervene in small-scale emergencies and major natural or human-made disasters under unknown environments. They are required to operate around the clock, in situations that are live threatening and potential hazardous, with limited awareness of the operational situation, the mission progress and the time sensitivity. They more often than not risk their own personal safety and well-being in order to keep civilians safe. During the most demanding and extended incidents, first responders operate under complex response operation plans that involve the collaboration of multiple disciplines and teams including K9 units. Within the context of the INGENIOUS project a K9 vest for the canine of the unit is developed aiming to improve their response time, enhance their situational awareness, support the collaboration between agencies and most importantly increase their safety during missions.