Edge Enabled Systems for ISR Applications

Edge enabled systems promise to significantly enhance the effectiveness of the dismounted warfighter. These systems, comprised of edge-located clients and cloud-based services, provide the capabilities and opportunity to create better situational awareness throughout the kill chain. The Edge-Enterprise concept can enhance situational awareness by reducing the sensor-to-soldier latency (staleness) of information and creating a contextual backdrop against which the warfighter can better formulate decisions. Some of the key data sets residing within this framework are data originating from Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance sources. Despite the potential advantages and demonstrated successes of edge enablement in numerous consumer/commercial contexts, pushing ISR data to the edge in a military context is viewed cautiously by many. The technical uncertainties and policies governing the collection, dissemination and use of ISR data results in a gradual approach that sometimes positions the warfighter at a disadvantage to more agile adversaries. What is needed is a portfolio of low-cost technology demonstrations that will enable decision makers to gain confidence in the technology, refine the governing policies, and build advocacy for edge enabled systems.