AROBS is testing the AlertBox prototype that connects Starlink and Iridium to emergency response systems in Romania

AROBS Engineering, part of AROBS Group, the largest technology company in Romania listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, has launched the testing phase for its innovative AlertBox prototype. The device, developed with funding from the European Space Agency (ESA), is designed to connect the Starlink and Iridium constellation systems to national emergency response networks.

The first prototype AlertBox devices will be placed for testing in Cluj-Napoca and other locations in Cluj County, Romania, for approximately six months.

AlertBox aims to address emergency communication challenges in the event of GSM (mobile network) coverage failure during a catastrophic event in isolated, remote or congested urban areas.

The prototype acts as a stand-alone unit linked by satellite to a secure central server, which in turn communicates with national and local emergency service systems, including the 112 emergency number and E-alert services.

“This project addresses a critical issue that can have a strong impact on all communities, especially those in remote areas. Our main objective is to strengthen the resilience of these communities in the face of catastrophic events”, said Voicu Oprean, founder and CEO of AROBS.

Cosmin Stanciu, Aerospace Business Group Manager at AROBS Engineering, added: “This project uses low ground orbit solutions to help address the challenges of not having a reliable GSM. As we develop and test this product, we are looking to create effective ways of better official communication in areas that could be greatly affected when traditional networks fall short.”

The AlertBox prototype is built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and is designed to be accessible to the public, even for people without expensive mobile devices. In addition, through AlertBox, the beneficiary – the public authority – can opt for Internet access through Starlink and Iridium connection.

AROBS hopes AlertBox will improve emergency response capabilities, especially in rural areas where GSM networks are often compromised.

AROBS Engineering’s partner in this project is Box2M, a Romanian technology company.

The project team at AROBS Engineering aims to identify funding sources to develop version 2.0 of the prototype, which is intended to connect to the Galileo system and incorporate video and infrared cameras. AlertBox 2.0 would be able to autonomously detect emergency situations and send alert messages, powered by an AI algorithm.

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(Photo source: AROBS)