US Ignite said that the advanced IoT network will enable base leadership to monitor conditions and collect data in real time
US Ignite has secured a $3.8 million contract from the U.S. Army Engineer and Development Center (ERDC) to design and deploy an Internet of Things (IoT) sensor network and data-driven digital dashboard at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia.
In a release, US Ignite said that the advanced sensors will enable base leadership to monitor conditions and collect data in real time to improve public safety, energy efficiency, and transportation management for Fort Benning and the surrounding community. US Ignite will work closely with Columbus State University and the City of Columbus to implement multiple projects under the new Fort Benning Smart Base Program.
“I am excited that US Ignite and Columbus State University will be able to use Fort Benning to continue research and development of wireless technologies while also advancing the safety of the Fort Benning community,” said Senator Raphael G. Warnock (D-GA).
The Fort Benning Smart Base Program will create high-tech jobs and attract commercial investments to Columbus, Georgia, and will also generate a set of tools and best practices that can be shared with the Department of Defense (DoD), smart bases, and smart cities across the U.S.
US Ignite will also collaborate with a team of commercial and government partners to support development of a real-time ‘Smart Installation and Community Dashboard’ that integrates information from multiple sources across the base and surrounding areas. This dashboard will provide a model for a common operating picture and offer decision makers clear insights for managing staff and services on the installation while reducing base operation costs.
The Fort Benning Smart Base Program will begin with the deployment of a sensor network using 4G and 5G wireless connectivity. US Ignite will work with ERDC, Fort Benning, and other DoD stakeholders to develop multiple use cases for the network, while also testing and evaluating the technologies deployed.
During the second phase of the contract, US Ignite will explore smart base applications focused on transportation, energy, public safety, and other priorities set by Fort Benning. The real-time information and data generated by the projects will be captured and visualized through the Smart Installation and Community Dashboard.
US Ignite recently completed the development of the Fort Carson Smart Transportation Testbed in Colorado. “Smart Installation projects like this help make great strides for the smart community movement. While this effort will make Fort Benning more efficient and safer, it also will generate sustainable jobs and spark innovation,” said Nick Maynard, US Ignite’s CEO.
