Automatic readout procedure of weapon serial numbers: Finding a solution together with the innovation space sandbox
Within the innovation space sandbox for the Armed Forces Logistics Centre Thun (ALC-T) of the Armed Forces Logistics Organisation (AFLO) solutions were sought for scanning weapon serial numbers in cooperation with armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T). The aim was to examine technological solutions which could reliably replace the manual scanning and entry of serial numbers by humans through an automated procedure. To evaluate the state of the art, proposed solutions were sought by exploring the market using SIMAP, followed by invitations to a joint examination with the consumer.
Jens Rehanek and Sarah Trösch, Innovation and Processes specialised area, Science and Technology competence domain
The manual check and entry of weapon serial numbers is a monotonous and tedious task involving both time and personnel effort. Based on an automated solution, it is aimed to reduce the effort, thus relieving the AFLO employees and freeing them up for other activities.
The innovation spaces of the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS)
In 2020, Federal Councillor Viola Amherd issued an order to armasuisse S+T to develop and implement what were termed innovation spaces for the DDPS. These environments are not physical spaces but are instruments or procedures which are used to find innovative and effective solutions for existing challenges in the DDPS. Altogether, five different innovation spaces exist. Depending on whether solutions are already known or the extent to which solutions are available, the choice falls to the appropriate innovation space. The DDPS innovation spaces are called: Competition, booster, idea lab, test run and sandbox. The following explanations describe the activities within the last of these innovation spaces, the sandbox.
The innovation space sandbox – conducting tests in the environment relevant to operations
In the innovation space sandbox, technology tests are performed in an environment relevant to the operations. The goal is to examine the suitability of technological solutions for a defined challenge. As part of the tests, armasuisse S+T and other representatives of the DDPS offer access to relevant challenges as well as to a suitable test environment.
A sandbox procedure generally takes place as follows: If there is no requirement by the DDPS for a technological solution, the question will be tendered publicly by means of a market exploration. Individual persons as well as companies, academic institutions and non-profit organisations are invited to submit their potential solutions. Based on the predefined assessment criteria, the entries are then assessed and, if suitable, invited to the sandbox. Within the sandbox, participants have the chance to demonstrate their solutions by means of test scenarios in a realistic test environment. Testing is completed in the innovation space sandbox by a joint report from armasuisse S+T and DDPS representatives to the participants. The aim here is not to evaluate products, but to examine technological solutions and assess them with regard to their suitability.
Specific application example: automated readout procedure of weapon serial numbers
The joint sandbox with the AFLO took place from 3 to 18 October 2023 in the weapons workshop in Bern.
The problem was as follows: The AFLO is responsible throughout Switzerland for storing personal service weapons. Before each storage, the three serial numbers on the respective weapon are checked and recorded. This is an extremely monotonous, time-consuming and tedious task. The serial numbers are stamped into the steel of the weapons and, with the exception of the serial number in the grip of pistol 75, are not infused with paint. Based on the experiences of the AFLO, the automated entry of serial numbers is a challenge. Another challenge for the AFLO in reading out the serial numbers was not to manipulate the weapons for the readout.
Thus innovative, state of the art technologies for automated number recognition were sought within the sandbox. The objective of the desired solution was: Readout, checking and entry of the serial numbers on the weapons by humans is to be abolished and replaced by technical number recognition and entry of these in the posting system. If the three serial numbers on the weapon match, the required posting is automatically made directly to the management system of the AFLO.
To conduct the sandbox, various service weapons in different states (new, worn, etc.) as well as a demonstration area for the test setup and performance were provided in the AFLO’s weapons workshop. As the consumer, the AFLO was actively involved from start to finish in the sandbox implementation.
Satisfactory results at the end of the sandbox
The solutions examined were able to demonstrate a significant increase in efficiency in comparison with manual readout and entry even in this short time. It could be shown that with today’s solutions, a robust readout of the serial numbers is possible in fractions of seconds, even under challenging conditions. In addition, models could be trained and optimised during the brief tests as well as the error rate further reduced through additional training data and optimisations. An initial rough estimate thus shows that, compared with purely human performance of the tasks, it was possible to double or even triple the number of units while at the same time halving the personnel effort required for this purpose. The findings obtained in this sandbox now represent an important basis for further action in terms of realisation, for example, a potential procurement project.
Final conclusion and outlook
While the sandbox was being conducted, a very solution-oriented, innovative and inspiring atmosphere prevailed among all those involved. A willingness to engage in open and very constructive exchange to find a pragmatic and effective solution flourished on all sides.
This innovation space can be successfully completed and solutions demonstrated with the joint final report from the AFLO and armasuisse S+T. It can be concluded that the goals of supporting the AFLO in finding a solution and simultaneously generating knowledge development has been achieved to the satisfaction of all. The AFLO thus now has a basis for deciding on further action in the area of automated entry of serial numbers.
