Introduction
The CapTech CBRN and Human Factors aims to strengthen the ability of European armed forces to operate safely and effectively in environments affected by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. It also supports their contribution to civilian-led crisis response operations.
The emerging CBRN threats require specific defence research and technology activities, as well as for continuous monitoring of developments in military and security environments.
The CapTech accelerates innovation through joint testing, benchmarking, and the development of common standards to boost capabilities and strengthen interoperability of European armed forces.
Technology Building Blocks
Technology Building Blocks (TBBs) are the specific technological focus areas that guide the CapTech’s activities and research priorities. Activities of the CapTech CBRN cover underlying technologies in the following areas:
- Personal Protective Equipment: increasing protection against all types CBRN agents and easing physiological burden of Personal Protective Equipment (heat, weight, etc.),
- Detection, Identification and Monitoring (DIM): developing new (automated) instruments able to detect, identify and quantify the presence of hazardous agents.
- CBRN Hazard Management : new methods of decontamination systems including robotic and unmanned systems and new decontamination materials (synthetic biology, smart textile, nanomaterials, etc.)
- CBRN Modelling & Simulation: early prediction of hazard areas, concentration levels, medical consequences and determination of areas for decontamination.
- Protection of Critical Infrastructure (PCI) from CBRN: development of Collective Protection Systems that are smaller, lighter, and more logistically supportable enabling mission accomplishment in safe space.
- Assessment, Diagnosis and Medical Countermeasures of CBR Hazards: developing field diagnostic targeting selected CBR agents
Within the CapTech’s component focusing on Human Factors research and technology development, the activity covers the underlying technologies in the following areas:
- Human Autonomy Teaming: technologies covering interactions between military operational staff and the systems, machines, or platforms (e.g. AI, machine learning, robotic control behaviour systems etc.)
- Human performance monitoring & enhancement: technologies focusing on monitoring and enhancing human performance (operator behavioural monitoring, enhancement of human perception, early monitoring and measures to avoid high mental workload etc.)
- Customised training: technologies and innovations turning training scenarios into more responsive and realistic sessions with using virtual, augmented or mixed reality
- Integration of human clothing and equipment in platforms: specifying major technology areas for clothing and equipment and integration (textile, sensors for physiological monitoring, sensor integration and communication, first aid equipment etc.)
Together, these Technology Building Blocks ensure the development of advanced CBRN and Human Factors capabilities across all operational domains.
Link to EDA’s capability domains
The CapTech CBRN and Human Factors supports and promotes European collaborative research and the development of innovative technologies to improve future CBRN defence capabilities and human performance in military operations. Its work reflects current and emerging operational needs and is closely linked with EDA’s Capability Expert Groups and their Priority Implementation Roadmaps.
Join the CapTech
The CapTech meets two to three times per year. All information is shared in its Workspace. Prior, or right after a CapTech meeting, a workshop or seminar on selected topics can take place.
You can submit a request for membership to the CapTech Moderator. Respective CapTech National Coordinator (CNC) has to validate each new member both as a Governmental Expert (CGE) or non-Governmental Expert (CnGE).
To become a member of the CapTech (CGE or CnGE), contact:
[email protected].