Tests and Trials

The CURSOR SaR Kit will deliver few fundamental improvements to search and rescue tasks compared to existing situation. To make sure that these solutions are meeting the needs of the first reponders on the field the system will be tested by first responders of the consortium as well as by external practitioners (e.g. INSARAG secretariat, Regione Liguria, USaR NL, Japan NRIFD) throughout the whole process of development. Tests will be carried out against predefined scenarios and results will be analysed to implement the needed changes from version 1 (V1) in version 2 (V2). 

The figure below, depicts the test and trial roadmap. Click on the pointer in each step to recieve detailed explanation:

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Phase 1: Requirement definition

On-going iterative process between the practitioners and solution providers of identifying the existing solution's gaps, defining the needs out of an analysis of probable scenarios and drawing out the list of functional, non-functional and technical requirements. This process will derive the design of the system architecture, ensuring that the CURSOR SaR KiT will meet the first responders' expectations and needs and thus be adopted by them in the field.

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Phase 2: Component and platform development phase

This phase will focus on the realisation of the technical and functional requirements into CURSOR SaR KiT system architecture and individual components development plan. This is an iterative process that will be done in two cycles. The end of a development cycle will be a testing phase where lessons learnt collected, will be implemented in the next cycle.

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Phase 2: Lab and Small-Scale Field Tests

During the lab tests, components will be tested separately in a controlled environment as proof of concept stage to benchmark and assess performance. The aim is to verify that the technology delivers the expected output and development is on the right track, while reducing the risks at integration stage.

The Small Scale Field Trials (SSFT) will be carried in controlled but realistic conditions testing and evaluating the prototypes developed. CURSOR practitioners will take major role in these tests, hosting them at their training facilities, testing and operating the prototypes, providing meaningful feedback to the technical partners on optimisation and adjustments needed. These tests will Also serve as preparation for integration of the individual components as part of the full CURSOR SaR Kit.

Lessons learnt from V1 SSFT and the V1 field trial will be processed into improvements implemented and tested in V2 SSFT and field trial

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Phase 3: Integration and validation phase

The full CURSOR SaR Kit will be tested in two field trials (FT) integrating, testing and validating the solution against a near real life scenario. The set-up of these tests will be in accordance with the INSARAG certification standards and guidelines.

The field trials will enable thorough validation of the solution to improve the CURSOR SaR Kit, in both functional and operational aspects, from one field validation to the other.

The field trials will be held at CURSOR first responders' testing facilities, involving them in the hands-on operation and testing of the system. Prior to each field trial, a training session will be held covering the needed training to use the components and testing the training material developed by the project.
Evaluation will be carried out from one field trial to the other and processed into technical and methodological requirements towards the 2nd cycle of development (V1) or toward the next stages of system development after the end of the project (V2).

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