UDRC Vision

With less interest in the individual sensor and more focus on the generation of actionable information there is an opportunity to develop new underpinning Signal Processing and Machine Learning tools to enable:

• Improved situational awareness
• Information superiority
• Increased autonomy for the defence sector  

Therefore for UDRC 3 our four overarching goals are:

• Develop underpinning Signal Processing tools;
• Bring together Signal Processing experts, through strong engagement with Dstl/industry, to maximise translation and impact for Dstl/MOD;
• Training the next generation of signal processors;
• Strengthen and expand the defence SP community for the UK.

UDRC Aims

The aim of the UDRC is to develop unprecedented research in signal processing with application to the defence industry and share knowledge, promote communications, guidance and training. The formation of consortia will bring together researchers from across the different aspects of signal processing to address the research challenges of operating in a networked battlespace. This will form part of a wider collaborative centre of excellence for signal processing that embraces academia, Research and Technology Organisations, defence manufacturing industries and the Defence Technology Centres. This collaboration will support a cutting edge signal and data processing capability in the UK, and lead to potentially greater research impact.

UDRC Research

UDRC Phase 1 Research commenced in 2009 and finished in 2013 and explores the two main themes of Classification and Multimodal Fusion and Detection, Localisation and Tracking. This work was led and coordinated by Imperial College London.

UDRC Phase 2 Research commenced its phase of work in 2013, this ambitious 5 year project was complete in 2018 and it focused on "Signal Processing in a Networked Battlespace". This research delivered integrated multi-sensor systems as well as limiting data overload and maximising data relevance within the network, through novel acquisition, processing and sensor management. This was work was led by 8 Universities: University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University, Queen's University Belfast, Loughborough University, University of Surrey, Strathclyde University, Cardiff University and Newcastle University.

UDRC Phase 3 commenced on 1st July 2018. The Underpinning Signal Processing research is led by University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University, Queen's University Belfast and the University of Strathclyde.