Design and Test Results of AMIGO: A Novel Remote Ground Sensor System

Abstract : The objectives of the project AMIGO (Autonomous Microsystems for Ground Observation) are to explore technologies applicable to unattended ground sensor (UGS) systems and to develop a proof-of-concept, next-generation, low-cost, compact UGS suite that can provide the CF with real-time situational awareness from remote locations. Four prototype AMIGO units were designed, built and tested at DRDC Valcartier. Each AMIGO unit was equipped with passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor, acoustic sensor, uncooled infrared (IR) imager (installed in two of the four), electronic compass, global positioning system (GPS), and spread spectrum wireless transceiver. The physical characteristics of AMIGO are 150 by 85 by 75 mm in size and roughly 800 grams in weight without batteries. Three types of battery can be used depending on mission life requirement, with battery life between 20 and 333 hours. With the PIR and acoustic sensors, AMIGO can detect a human-size moving target at a maximum standoff distance of 10 m and a vehicle target with engine running at a maximum standoff distance of 20 m. The IR imager allows detection and recognition of vehicle targets at 300 m and 165 m, and for human targets, at 220 m and 135 m, respectively. The AMIGO unit was configured for multipoint-to-point communication (several AMIGO units to one base station). IR images and other information are transmitted wirelessly to the base station upon triggering by PIR or acoustic sensor. The range of the reliable wireless link is between 150 m and 1.2 km depending on sensor location, communication line of sight and terrain altitude. Field trials were conducted with AMIGO in various scenarios. In these trials AMIGO performed effectively and detected targets according to the specifications. The results showed that this prototype could be used on basic surveillance missions.