BEACON (Bluetooth-Enabled Adaptive Combat Operational Notifier)

BEACON is an elegantly simple, but highly Operator-configurable tactical alerting wearable. BEACON is small, low-cost, and flexibly deployed wearable (e.g., can be attached to garments, worn on body, attached to rifle or other equipment). BEACON communicates with an Operator’s end-user device (EUD) smartphone over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) via an API that speaks to a companion ATAK plugin. Within the ATAK plugin Operators can define custom If-This-Then-That (ITTT) rules used to trigger a preset tactile or visual-tactile (either visible or IR) alert empirically proven to be distinguishable in operational environments. Using BEACON, AFSPECWAR and other SOF Operators can receive real-time notifications and alerts, based on their own desired mission-critical priorities and alerting thresholds, without going heads-down or compromising a weapon-ready posture. The result is a solution for timely and discreet alerts to mission-critical events or information, presented in a manner that is configurable at an individual Operator level, and which both bolsters situational awareness (SA) and promotes survivability by enabling heads-up, eyes-out, and weapon-ready operations.    BEACON consists of a ruggedized, wearable device that integrates with existing battle management software, including SWAK and ATAK, via Bluetooth Low Energy communication. Tactile alerts are generated through a programmable haptic actuator, and visual alerts are provided through infrared and visible light emitters, enabling real-time, configurable notifications based on operational triggers. The device is designed to minimize electromagnetic and visible signatures, ensuring compatibility with low-signature operations where detection must be avoided. The technology supports an application programming interface (API) to enable integration with third-party mission planning and situational awareness tools, making it adaptable for both defense and commercial use. The Phase I effort focused on defining system requirements, validating the ability of varied haptic alerting profiles to be individually distinguished, and demonstrating initial prototype feasibility. The Phase II effort will focus on advanced prototype development, to optimize haptic actuation methods, refine transmission surface designs to maximize signal clarity, and testing waveform perceptibility in operationally relevant conditions. The power efficiency and BLE communication architecture will also be refined to ensure low-latency alert transmission and extended operational endurance. Initial system integration with SWAK and ATAK will be achieved through a baseline API and dedicated plugin, enabling future software-driven customization for third-party applications as well. Final system validation will be comprised of both controlled performance acceptance criteria assessments and simulated field tests during live training exercises aimed at demonstrating the full-scope BEACON prototype at a Technology Readiness Level of 7.