Today our group recieved helpful feedback on our initial problem statement and solution. From our discussions and interviews, we began to pivot away from changes to current handheld detectors and towards a novel drone solution which utilizes GPR and multi-spectral imaging. This approach would have autonomous capabilities that searches and detects for explosive devices while maintaining its position with the monitoring soldier and unit.
We believe this solution would assist our beneficiaries because many operational soldiers and officers have brought up the issues of weight, capability degradation, and training costs associated with current detectors. The current detectors hinder units by requiring trained and dedicated personnel, a task that is often detracts from the actual training and mission focus of the individuals in the field as well as their operational speed.
| Name | Hypothesis | Experiments | Results | Action |
Special Agent Jonathan Francke | The FBI has different tools to deal with IEDs that are successful | Discussing the various ways to scan for IED’s | Introduction to new technology | Attempt to integrate new technologies into MVP |
| LT Marvin Grimmetp | The current IED detection devices need to be improved | Discussing improvements to current detectors | Minor improvements to be made, focus on situational awareness | |
| MAJ David Feltner | The standard infantry platoon is issued at least 8 IED detectors | Discussion | At least 2 detectors per platoon | Understanding IED detection in a standard platoon |
| MAJ William Mackenzie | Infantry platoons use IED detectors often and know what can be improved | Discussion of C-IED methods in Ranger Regiment | No detector use, good planning defeats most IED’s-he wants a drone with 360 degree scanning | Implement drone idea |
| Zeke Topolosky (Problem sponsor) | Current IED detectors can be improved with lightweight materials and collapsable features | Discussion and presentation by ARL on current IED and mine detectors as well as shift from combating insurgents to near-peer threats | Commercially-available detectors are not actually lighter, currently used military IED and mine detectors already have space-saving features The shift to combating near-peer threats places budget constraints on any solution development | Attempt to find solutions that would not have a prohibitively expensive procurement cost |
| CPT Hayden Pecha | Insufficient training may be leading to lower and incorrect usage of IED detectors | Discussion on a general lack of training opportunities available for things such as IED detection, especially regarding opportunities for proficiency Maintenance | Providing more thorough and more consistent training to IED detector trained soldiers could reduce usage hesitation in the field | Investigate further into training deficiencies |
5IVE 