The AWARE project, an EU-funded initiative aimed at enhancing public warning capabilities beyond smartphone alerting, proudly completes its first year of activities. Launched in November 2023, AWARE strives to make significant strides in advancing emergency communication technologies across Europe, by broadcasting alerts on fixed devices. From concept to progress, we look at the project’s main achievements and plans for 2025.

Project Overview

The purpose of AWARE is to go beyond smartphone-based alert systems by developing a solution that integrates the Galileo Emergency Warning Satellite Service (EWSS) into the existing infrastructure of stationary devices indoors and outdoors. This integration – the AWARE module – enables the reception and processing of emergency messages directly via satellite. The alerts are then transmitted on fixed devices fitted with the AWARE module, such as display panels, long-range acoustic devices, or monitors within buildings, ensuring broader and more reliable dissemination of critical information during emergencies, even when telecommunication networks are down or disrupted.

The AWARE module will ensure that in case of a looming threat, citizens receive a timely and accurate warning, minimizing their exposure to danger. The module can be incorporated on a wide range of fixed devices, making sure that the warning reaches everyone in the affected area, whether they are indoors or outdoors.

AWARE is one of the first projects to utilise Galileo EWSS transmissions for public warnings, introducing a major innovation in public warning systems. In addition, AWARE will facilitate the adoption of the emergency warning service by European Civil Protection Authorities, by performing activities in support of EUSPA and the European Commission for its deployment.

Key Achievements in the First Year

• Optimization of System Specifications and Design: Over the course of 2024, the members of the consortium have combined their expertise to plan and develop the system specifications and design of the AWARE module, producing an optimized version. As the project progresses, the module will be refined to ensure the best quality and operational capacity.
• Integration of Advanced Acoustic Systems and Display Panels: Genasys Inc. and JCDecaux, two key members of the consortium, will provide their innovative ACOUSTICS devices and Digital Out-Of-Home panels respectively to extend Galileo’s public warning capabilities. The highly efficient long-range ACOUSTICS devices broadcast crystal-clear audio alert messages to assist civil protection authorities in transmitting warnings. The DOOH panels display contextual, real-time information, and with the integration of the AWARE module, they can broadcast emergency warning messages when and where it is needed, based on message templates developed by JCDecaux.
• Development of Dedicated GNSS Module: FDC, a key partner in the consortium, took over the development of the specialized Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) module to be used for AWARE. This module is designed to enhance the accuracy and reliability of emergency alerts received through the Galileo system.
• Participation in European Civil Protection Forum: In June 2024, AWARE actively participated in the European Civil Protection Forum in Brussels, Belgium. This event was an opportunity to showcase the project’s plans and engage with stakeholders dedicated to improving civil protection mechanisms across Europe.
• Engagement at EENA 2024 Conference and Exhibition: In April 2024, representatives from AWARE attended the European Emergency Number Association (EENA) Conference and Exhibition in Valencia, Spain. This engagement facilitated discussions on integrating satellite-based warning systems with existing emergency response frameworks.

Looking Ahead

As AWARE enters its second year, the consortium’s efforts will be directed at engaging stakeholders and conducting demonstrations in various scenarios: a nature-derived disaster, an urban emergency, and an industrial catastrophe. These demonstrations aim to validate the system’s effectiveness and reliability in real-world situations.

The AWARE project remains committed to enhancing public safety through innovative technologies, ensuring that timely and accurate information reaches those in need during critical moments.