Automated humanitarian demining system "Minsk"
UAV of the Minskan system. Photo by Bauman Moscow State Technical University
Engineering units of the armed forces and sapper units of the Ministry of Emergency Situations use various means and methods for detecting explosive objects. Recently, specialists from the Bauman Moscow State Technical University proposed a new system for such a purpose. In the Minskan project, they combined the achievements of modern technologies, including unmanned Aviation and artificial neural networks, which made it possible to achieve high work efficiency.
Process Automation
The automated humanitarian demining system (ASGR) "Minscan" was developed at the Moscow State Technical University named after N.E. Bauman. By now, the project has passed its first stages, and their results were presented at one of the latest exhibitions. In addition, on September 24, the Izvestia publication published basic information about the new development.
The goal of the Minskan project is to create a system capable of detecting explosive objects and mapping minefields. In this project, it was decided to use time-tested components and supplement them with new ideas.
The prospective ASGR consists of several components. It includes an unmanned aerial vehicle with a terrain scanning device and an operator console equipped with special software. Together, they conduct a survey of a given area of terrain and search for dangerous objects.
By now, the Minskan project has been brought to testing. The UAV with a special payload carried out test flights, and the target equipment was used to search for conventional mines and map the area.
The current status of the project and the plans of its developers have not yet been specified. Probably, MSTU specialists will continue to develop the ASGR and improve its operating algorithms. Then the system can be sent to the Special Operation zone for testing in real conditions in the liberated territories.
A Russian army sapper at work. Photo by the Russian Ministry of Defense
If Minskan can effectively search for real explosive devices and assist sappers in clearing the area, this system has a great future. Such ASGR can be adopted by engineering and anti-mine units and used in combination with other systems and devices. In the near future, this technology will be in demand and will find wide application.
Drone with ground penetrating radar
One of the main components of the ASGR "Minscan" is UAV-hexacopter. This is a UAV of one of the serial models available on the commercial market. The project developers selected a device with the required level of technical characteristics. It is possible that other aerial platforms can be used in the system.
The drone is capable of following operator commands or acting in accordance with the flight mission. It and other system components can operate effectively in a wide range of temperatures, crosswinds, and other interference.
A ground penetrating radar is installed on the drone's frame, the model of which is not disclosed. This device is designed to scan the underlying surface and search for contrasting objects in or on the ground.
The system is controlled by a remote control in the form of a laptop with original software. After each flight, the collected data is loaded onto it. Their processing is carried out automatically using a neural network.
The result of the special software is a map of the area, on which the detected explosive objects are marked. This map is intended for sappers who carry out further work to clear the surveyed area. At this stage, other search and disposal systems may be involved.
The Uran-6 mine clearance system in the Special Operations area. Photo by the Russian Ministry of Defense
Application and Benefits
The prospective ASGR "Minskan" is intended for reconnaissance of the terrain before humanitarian demining. With the help of this system, sappers will be able to identify potentially dangerous objects and plan their further actions based on the data received.
Nowadays, various means and methods are used to solve such problems. Visual search for dangerous objects, as well as the use of probes and other hand tools, remain relevant. Service dogs play an important role in demining. In addition, there is a wide range of devices, such as mine detectors and ground penetrating radars.
The Minskan system, developed by Bauman Moscow State Technical University, is similar in principle to some existing devices. At the same time, it includes not only a ground penetrating radar, but also a number of other systems for various purposes. Due to this, the new ASGR not only effectively solves the tasks set, but also demonstrates advantages over other complexes.
The ground penetrating radar itself is an effective tool for surveying the terrain and searching for various objects. It allows you to scan the required areas and create a two- or three-dimensional map. Typically, such systems are made in a portable or ground-based version.
The Minskan project proposes to place a ground penetrating radar on a UAV. This solution increases the mobility and maneuverability of the system, and also eliminates the risk of a mine explosion, since the drone does not come into contact with the ground during flight.
The aerial platform also significantly increases the system's productivity. The developers claim that a UAV with a ground penetrating radar can survey an area eight times faster than a sapper with a similar device. At the same time, the person remains safe and does not risk being injured by an explosive device.
Mine clearance system MGR-4. Photo by Rostec
Particular attention is paid to the new software for the system's control computer. The new data processing program, based on a neural network, is capable of not only creating a map of the area, but also making it more detailed, identifying the most difficult targets and determining other parameters. In the future, this software may receive new functions that will further increase the efficiency of mine clearance.
It should be taken into account that the Minskan system can only survey the area and search for dangerous objects. It does not have its own means for clearing the area.
However, the data from ASGR can be used by both sappers and any demining systems in service. Detailed data on the minefield prepared by the neural network allows for better preparation for demining and selection of the most effective means and methods.
Important direction
In the current Special Operation to Protect Donbass, the army's engineering units and demining units from the Ministry of Emergency Situations play an important role. After liberating populated areas and territories, they carefully inspect the area for mines and other dangerous objects, and also neutralize their findings.
In their work, sappers use a wide range of systems and tools, from simple tools to complex robotic systems. Since 2022, several new systems have been introduced into service, each designed to solve specific tasks. They have significantly expanded the capabilities of sappers and contributed to faster and more effective clearance of terrain.
Understanding the needs of engineering units, scientific and industrial organizations are developing new models of special systems. One of such models is the Minskan system, created by the Bauman Moscow State Technical University. It has already passed the first tests and confirmed its main characteristics. Perhaps now the army will show interest in this system, and after that, sappers will receive a new tool.
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