This work introduces the design, architecture, implementation, and testing of a low-cost and machine-learning-enabled device to be worn on the wrist. The suggested wearable device has been developed for use during emergency incidents of large passenger ship evacuations, and enables the real-time monitoring of the passengers’ physiological state, and stress detection. Based on a properly preprocessed PPG signal, the device provides essential biometric data (pulse rate and oxygen saturation level) and an efficient unimodal machine learning pipeline. The stress detecting machine learning pipeline is based on ultra-short-term pulse rate variability, and has been successfully integrated into the microcontroller of the developed embedded device. As a result, the presented smart wristband is able to provide real-time stress detection. The stress detection system has been trained with the use of the publicly available WESAD dataset, and its performance has been tested through a two-stage process. Initially, evaluation of the lightweight machine learning pipeline on a previously unseen subset of the WESAD dataset was performed, reaching an accuracy score equal to 91%. Subsequently, external validation was conducted, through a dedicated laboratory study of 15 volunteers subjected to well-acknowledged cognitive stressors while wearing the smart wristband, which yielded an accuracy score equal to 76%.

The building materials of Cultural Heritage monuments are subjected to continuous degradation throughout the years, mainly due to their exposure to harsh and unexpected weather phenomena related to Climate Change. The specific climatic conditions at their vicinity, especially when there are local peculiarities such as onshore breeze, are of crucial importance for studying the deterioration rate and the identification of proper mitigation actions. Generalized models that are based on climate data can provide an insight on the deterioration but fail to offer a deeper understanding of this phenomenon. To this end, in the context of the EU-funded HYPERION project a distributed smart sensor network will be deployed at the Cultural Heritage monuments in four study areas as the solution to this problem. The developed system, which is demonstrated in this paper, includes smart IoT devices, called Smart Tags, designed to provide environmental measurements close to monuments, a middle-ware to facilitate the communication and a visualization platform where the collected information is presented. Last but not least, special focus is given to the device’s NB-IoT connectivity and its power efficiency by conducting various tests and extract useful conclusions.

Search and rescue operations can range from small, confined spaces, such as collapsed buildings, to large area searches during missing person operations. K9 units are tasked with intervening in such emergencies and assist in the optimal way to ensure a successful outcome for the mission. They are required to operate in unknown situations were the lives of the K9 handler and the canine companion are threatened as they operate with limited situational awareness. Within the context of the INGENIOUS project, we developed a K9 vest for the canine companion of the unit, aiming to increase the unit’s safety while operating in the field, assist the K9 handler in better monitoring the location and the environment of the K9 and increase the information provided to the Command and Control Center during the operation.

First responders are tasked to intervene in small-scale emergencies and major natural or human-made disasters under unknown environments. They are required to operate around the clock, in situations that are life-threatening and potentially hazardous, with limited awareness of the operational situation, mission progress, and time sensitivity. They more often than not risk their own personal safety and well-being in order to keep civilians safe. During the most demanding and extended incidents, first responders operate under complex response operation plans that involve the collaboration of multiple disciplines and teams including K9 units. Within the context of the INGENIOUS project, a K9 vest for the canine of the unit is developed, aiming to improve their response time, enhance their situational awareness, support the collaboration between agencies, and most importantly, increase their safety during missions.