SBIR-STTR Award

To meet the challenging technical requirements of DHS SBIR topic DHS201-008, Cobalt Solutions is proposing 5G-PRT: 5G Passive RADAR-based UAS Tracking and Targeting. 5G mmWave base-stations are being densely deployed in the urban core of US cities to support the demands of telecommunications and 5G-unique applications (e.g. self-driving cars, low latency robotic control, ubiquitous augmented reality, and high demand video streaming/sharing.) Meanwhile, the coming proliferation of UAS activity in this same urban core will be a commercial boon but also a public safety and National security threat, if bad actors employ drones to create mischief or foster attacks. The research we propose will use these same (free) 5G mmWave signals deployed in the urban core as the "illuminating" signal in our 5G- PRT system for tracking and targeting UAS in the urban canyon environment. Our partner, Miles Space has already demonstrated inNvative passive UAS tracking using 3G/4G, in more benign environments, for SOCOM. Miles Space employs machine learning algorithms to optimize processing speed in order to support targeting timelines.Our Cobalt PI, Dr. Robert Daniels, is a recognized expert in 5G and RADAR. While the concept is Nt without technical risk; he is confident that 5G is well suited for UAS tracking in the Urban Canyon environment. He previously co-founded Phazr Inc., the only US-based vendor to produce certified mmWave 5G base-stations. Cobalt's 5G expertise and vision, together with Miles Space proven passive drone tracking techNlogy, will create the potential for huge inNvation and commercialization impact for DHS.

Cobalt Solutions is proposing a Phase II SBIR effort for our 5G Passive RADAR-based UAS Tracking and Targeting (5G-PRT) capability to counter the urban drone threat. 5G mmWave base-stations are being densely deployed in the urban core of cities to support the demands of 5G-unique applications. UAS activity in this urban core will be a public safety and National security threat if bad actors employ drones to create mischief or foster attacks. In Phase I we established the feasibility of using 5G mmWave signals as the "illuminating" signal for tracking and targeting UAS in the urban environment. We will build and demonstrate 5G-PRT in Phase II. Cobalt is investing in the PR 1000 sensor that forms the core of the 5G-PRT system. This will reduce risk for DHS and accelerate commercialization. Cobalt will build an engineering design model (EDM) of 5G-PRT and conduct tests of the capability, in cooperation with DHS, to validate the performance against drone threats in urban environments. This will lay the groundwork for our commercial product that can be offered for sale to DHS and others. By leveraging 5G base-stations as illuminators and the dramatic decreases in mmWave component costs as a result of 5G, we will be able to offer DHS and others a highly affordable, compact, portable sensor suite which we believe will be a commercial success. As with Phase I, Phase II will be led by our PI, Dr. Robert Daniels, a recognized expert in both commercial 5G and modern RADAR applications.