THE MISSION: A DECADE OF REFLECTION – AMBITION VS. ABILITY
A decade has passed since technological excellence first reshaped surveillance on an unimaginable scale, encompassing a monumental task far beyond any cohesive smart city landscape. Amid ongoing discussions by those who pontificate about innovation, it is vital to discern the difference between mere talk and the concrete foundation of trust earned by those executing beyond the chatter.
In this era of visionary dialogues, the scarcity of proven teams and individuals who have consistently and unwaveringly earned the trust of esteemed institutions like the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Swiss Guard, the UK Government, Interpol, NASA, the US Department of Defence, and US National Laboratories is remarkably apparent. The reliance of these organisations on the select few who execute goes beyond assistance – it epitomises a trusted call to duty, a summons to rectify fundamental issues encompassing state security, military operations, and safeguarding iconic figures and millions of lives concurrently and seamlessly.
This surpasses the mere conception of Innovators delivering novel technological capabilities – this is about extending trust and responsibility to those with the understanding, experience and network to deliver what is required, while concurrently forging new technological pathways, and meaningful elevated capability and efficiency. These notable endorsements validate the historic capacity of the team within Artemis to transform innovation into tangible implementation, effecting solutions that bridge the gap between pioneering concepts and pragmatic real-world effectiveness.
How difficult is it keeping 3 million people safe over 3 days?
The true value of basic machine learning and event modelling
Just over ten years ago, I collaborated with local agencies in Brazil lacking a benchmark to gauge unusual behavioural patterns. Teaming with Google and Comtex Brazil, we pioneered an innovative command and control (C2) overlay harnessing Google Maps. We ingested real-time data streams from live Facebook and Twitter feeds in the region, identifying keywords like 'shots', 'gun', 'attack’, 'fight', 'flood', 'crash', 'robbery', and 'scream’. As cellular GPS was in its infancy, these were geo-located through radio proximity calculations, necessitating basic signal geolocation. The control room display would then trigger, showing nearby mobile security assets and enabling high-definition recording across cameras within a half-mile radius of the approximate incident location. This sophisticated technical security network was established for the State of Rio de Janeiro, operational for the 2013 World Youth Day Papal visit.
To provide context, imagine a staggering assembly of around 3,000,000 individuals converging on the Copacabana neighbourhood for three days. Alongside the torrential influx of terabits of hourly CCTV data, there was also the vital task of successfully managing critical communications for multiple law enforcement agencies, including the esteemed Swiss Guard dealing with concerns over Pope Francis' demanded freedom. This had to account for any instance of the Pope donning simple priest attire to visit a local church, administer a blessing, spend time with the homeless, or go shopping without the Swiss Guard – something previously unfathomable.
The complex considerations demanded meticulous orchestration without overburdening the already stretched telecom, cellular, and power infrastructures, barely equipped for daily 9-to-5 usage. The monumental challenge necessitated seamless coordination and resource optimization to ensure success and security. Importantly, the CCTV footage mentioned is no longer limited to conventional sources.
The surveillance landscape since 2013 has been more revolutionary than evolutionary, now seamlessly incorporating adapted Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) feeds into the CCTV network. While routine today, such integration was ground-breaking in 2013 when largely confined to military and police helicopter operations, far from our present accessibility.
The telecommunications expansion required to facilitate the enormous data throughput exceeded the capabilities of the incumbent telephone provider. In just five months, we assisted planning and implementing spectrally efficient wireless capabilities, increasing cellular connectivity fourfold alongside an internet mesh network distributing terabits of low latency IP access across Rio.
The 2013 World Youth Day's success dramatically accelerated Rio's C2 initiative for the 2014 World Cup and laid the foundation for the 2016 Olympics three years ahead of schedule. Leveraging data from the Pope's visit, we anticipated and optimised bottlenecks and trouble-spots, using then-advanced technologies like 4K HD, improved facial recognition, and precise sensors for hazardous substances.
Our incorporation of cutting-edge intelligence gathering, threat identification, and counter-surveillance techniques showcased the evolution of security measures while keeping an eye on data saturation, necessitating greater focus on spectral efficiencies and new transmission technologies. This experience underscores the vital synergy between technology and the overall vision derived from global expertise in ensuring the success and safety of critical work.
Demonstrated Experience – It truly matters.
In the lead-up to the 2016 Rio Olympics, a deluge of global terrorism and ominous forecasts dominated the narrative. Contributing factors included the looming threat of the Zika virus, chilling memories of recent terror incidents in Nice and Paris, alongside the Orlando Pulse nightclub attack, and reports of local corruption related to the extravagant 2014 World Cup expenses amidst Brazil's struggling economy. These concerns escalated further with sensationalist USA and UK primetime documentaries about Rio's high murder rates in the Favelas, with gangs openly vowing to target tourists. Against this backdrop, paramount concerns coalesced around safety and security, making this period one of the most apprehensive in Olympic history.
Drawing on proven track records orchestrating vital security and communication frameworks for events like the 2012 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, 2012 London Olympics, my colleagues and I were called upon for assistance. At a meeting at the Brazilian Embassy in London, experts gathered to understand the collective concerns of the IOC and Brazilian Government, prioritizing technological strategies to enhance the existing C2 infrastructure and ensure preparedness for all scenarios. The challenges confronting the IOC and Rio's security apparatus were immense. This urgency followed the aftermath of government yet again failing from past procurement mistakes based solely on cost, becoming a stark lesson in the consequences of compromising quality for value and focusing on true capability to deliver long-term economy.
“How difficult is it going to be keeping over half a million people safe over 19 days?”
Protecting millions over 19 days was a formidable challenge. This IOC query underscored the complexity of the task. The 2016 Olympics demanded protecting a vast assembly of 85,000 personnel, safeguarding 10,500 athletes, 70,000 volunteers, and approximately 450,000 spectators engrossed in 306 events across 32 diverse venues spanning 4 zones – plus football matches in 5 additional cities – per day on top of normal day-to-day city operations.
Notably, the Barra da Tijuca Olympic Park was the largest single site at 300 acres with 9 stadiums for 13 sports, accommodating 95,000 people. The monumental scope was most evident on the 5th day at Barra, with a staggering 329,000 fans participating in 21 events from 08:30 in the morning until past midnight.
Managing the multitudes with their diverse belongings, from consumables and electronics, to overcoming language barriers presented an immense security dilemma, resembling a 'perfect storm' of chaotic challenges. With no prior experience securing multiple venues and hundreds of thousands of people over weeks, the complexity intensified given the backdrop of notorious gun violence and homicide. The scenario was anything but routine or foreseeable, demanding unwavering technical leadership and accountability. Months of meticulous planning achieved precision.
Just as we believed every contingency was addressed, new dimensions emerged with the United Nations (UN) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stipulating independent, real-time sensor data from personal and portable scanners following intelligence about a credible 'dirty bomb' or Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD) threat. Seamless integration into the existing C2 infrastructure was crucial, showcasing the intricate nature of the undertaking.
The Unpredictable Foe
In the aftermath of the Rio Olympics, heart-wrenching attacks struck cities like Las Vegas, Manchester, London, and Istanbul. These consistently prompt the same questions:
“Were the attackers acting alone?”
“Were they already under surveillance?”
“What was their motivation self-propelled or directed?”
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“How can protective measures improve?”
“Is extending the perimeter viable?”
“Should we restrict venues to basic attire only?”
Yet assailants remain adaptable, shifting tactics as they evolve. Paradoxically, their simpler planning often evades pre-attack intelligence interception, underscoring the persistent challenges in staying ahead. The measures implemented in Rio demonstrated that ingenuity and adaptation, not just technology, are essential to counter terrorists and malevolent actors. Still, ten years on, complacency and reliance on legacy methods and procurement remain insufficient.
“If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must Man be of learning from experience.”
George Bernard Shaw
Our Dedicated Pursuit of Excellence
In recent years, our team of experts has deeply engaged numerous international security and defence agencies and law enforcement professionals, pooling insights on novel open space and installation security capabilities against potential terror threats. We've extended efforts beyond physical security, immersing ourselves in military testbeds and think tanks globally. This fuels our commitment to usher in the next era of intelligent, sensor-driven detection and security mechanisms.
Our collaborators include those entrusted with safeguarding world leaders, stadiums, airports, transit networks, iconic structures, high-profile events, entertainment hubs, military complexes, nuclear facilities, and landmarks. While their specific needs differ, their objective is uniform: ensuring individual and infrastructure safety.
Pioneering a Novel Paradigm
Our collective expertise has culminated in a revolutionary paradigm shift, redefining surveillance, early detection, and event security. Our journey has encompassed exhaustive research, rigorous evaluation, meticulous development, comprehensive testing, and successful deployment of an array of engineered sensors and software to detect physical threats at substantial stand-off distances.
An evident truth has emerged: technology at checkpoints is resoundingly effective but confined to those locations. Transformative change requires a fresh perspective – synergizing the latest advancements in sensors, software, and machine learning with a twofold goal: permitting unrestricted general public movement, including those legally entitled to carry arms, while seamlessly identifying and thwarting those concealing and transporting items to cause significant harm. This audacious aspiration is the crux of overall security and defence.
Outcome-Driven Dedication
Our solutions provide continuous risk intelligence for constant vigilance. Incorporating unpredictability is vital within any effective security framework, serving to counter surveillance and thwart planned attacks. Our screening products are modular and portable, enabling spontaneous checks across diverse locations. This principle is reflected in our UAS platforms, furnishing mobile ‘sixth sense’ capabilities for law enforcement, border patrol, rescue services, utilities, and the military.
Artemis embodies defence at its core – a vigilant stance driven by the imperative to protect. Our team’s collective experience is evident, our mission resolute, our accomplishments compelling testament to our execution track record.
Innovators and visionaries, working together, have the power to achieve miracles. Strong friendships endure between Kris Hornung, Marcelino Vogel, Bob Kalla, Sergio Nercessian, and the Comtex team. Today's advancements like Comtex’s Multivis and Eagle Eye Networks represent the next generation. Critically, technology alone is insufficient; human determination and drive truly foster and catalyse meaningful, demonstrable change. Furthermore, the almost paranoid understanding that what is state-of-the-art today may be irrelevant tomorrow must never be discounted.
The future remains unwritten, but our choices define the narrative. May our collective journey ahead be rooted in humility, innovation, cohesive teamwork, impactful change, and unwavering action.
Carl Cagliarini
Author
With 25 years of experience, I have merged special operations with high-value commercial technology. In leadership roles across public and private sectors, I have navigated key milestones from early Wi-Fi adoption to spearheading laser communications programs and rescue and restructure of failing companies. My journey stands out through deep technical aviation and autonomy expertise, demystifying complex narratives with humility. Moreover, I have harnessed AI and machine learning, sharing my experiences as an early adopter.
Bridging defence and commercial realms, I underscore innovation's impact on security and progress. Amidst challenges, unwavering action and teamwork are essential.
From state security to driving commercial innovation, I operate on universal principles. Collaborating with capable teams, I have rescued investments and orchestrated solutions for significant returns.
Looking ahead, my dedication focuses on driving defence and humanitarian innovation, nurturing collaboration and advancing progress. Over the next quarter-century, my mission is to reshape defence outcomes and more by nurturing a future rooted in humility, innovation, teamwork, impactful change and unwavering action, including dismantling barriers that hinder innovation.
About Artemis
At Artemis, our team of designers, scientists, writers, engineers and visionaries shares a passion for pioneering innovation. With backgrounds spanning academia, national defence, broadband connectivity and media narratives, our members bring relevant diverse expertise while being united by a drive to push boundaries and deliver what is required and on time.
We actively pursue innovation rather than passively embrace it. Collaborating with industry leaders and visionary founders on their most complex challenges inspires us. We especially relish the opportunity to immerse ourselves in projects that excite our curiosity. In addition, we continuously cultivate novel ideas and develop technologies to advance humanity.
Our diversity and dedication are the foundations of our success.
When bright minds from different disciplines come together around a shared purpose, the results can be extraordinary. We have witnessed this first hand, again and again. Our commitment to each other and to making a difference motivates us.
If you have a goal that seems unfeasible, a challenge that appears insurmountable, or a vision that looks impossible, let's connect. With our relentless determination, we will work tirelessly to accomplish what others may deem unachievable. The only limit is what we can conceive - and we specialise in turning inconceivable ideas into reality.