Northrop Grumman has successfully demonstrated new software that can receive, display and share critical situational awareness data using handheld devices without a connection to a cloud server, the company announced on 21 February 2024.
“Current systems require data to be relayed to and from a cloud server outside of the battlespace, which leaves units in the field vulnerable if the connection is lost,” the company explained. “With combat edge processing software, devices in the field can take over and continue working within seconds to securely distribute critical information needed for mission success.
“The combat edge software is highly adaptable, providing a decisive advantage in the most complex environments,” Northrop Grumman stated, “and the software’s modular design is “rapidly upgradable, affordable and easily integrates with many current proprietary or commercial hardware solutions.”
In the demonstration cited, Link 16 data was successfully tracked on low size, weight and power (SWaP) devices without connecting to a cloud server using Northrop Grumman’s new software. The demonstration, the company said, was an important step in laying the foundation for future edge computing technologies, including battlespace artificial intelligence and machine learning tools.
Kevin Berkowitz, vice president for secure processing and networks at Northrop Grumman, was quoted by the company as saying, “Edge processing is a paradigm shift away from traditional cloud computing models, and this software solution demonstrates its ability to deliver decision superiority at mission speed. Shifting processing to the battlespace aims to eliminate the single point of failure in legacy processes, enabling the warfighter to make clearer observations, faster decisions and smarter actions.”
