Heron EU Project

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Heron EU Project

HERON is an EU funded Horizon 2020 project, aiming to develop an integrated automated system to perform maintenance and upgrading of roadworks

30/10/2025

🌍 HERON EU Project integrates a unified high-level architecture for autonomous road maintenance
The HERON system combines autonomous ground and aerial robotic vehicles to perform and coordinate road maintenance, supported by real-time sensing, data fusion, and augmented reality interfaces.
🤖 The high-level architecture connects all modules, from data acquisition to decision support, enabling seamless interaction between robotic units, infrastructure sensors, and control software.
🧠 This integration allows predictive maintenance, reduced disruptions, and safer operations across European transport networks.

20/10/2025

🌐 HERON EU Project enhances data security and interoperability through a unified communication infrastructure
A secure and scalable Kafka-based networking architecture ensures reliable data flow among HERON robotic units, IoT sensors, and control platforms.
🔒 End-to-end encryption via TLS/SSL protects data confidentiality and integrity across all mission-critical communications.
🛰️ VPN-secured connections enable protected remote access between the field robots, middleware components, and the Decision Support System.
⚙️ The infrastructure, deployed on dedicated Ubuntu servers, supports continuous publish/subscribe data exchange, ensuring real-time coordination across all HERON components.
🧩 The figure below illustrates the Kafka architecture, enabling safe, efficient, and high-throughput communication within HERON’s robotic ecosystem.

14/10/2025

📡 HERON EU Project leverages interactive 3D mapping for enhanced operational insight
Operators can now track the robot’s full navigation path in real time, an essential tool for assessing performance, optimizing movements, and ensuring mission success.
🧭 The 3D satellite map allows users to select individual cones to access their geospatial data, supporting deeper situational analysis and informed decision-making.
📍 This enriched functionality enhances both strategic planning and immediate field responses, reinforcing safety and efficiency in dynamic environments.
🌐 A key enabler of HERON’s smart infrastructure approach, this interactive mapping fosters better coordination across operations.
🔎 The visual below highlights the ability to select cones on the satellite map and view detailed spatial data, empowering operators with precise, actionable insights.

29/09/2025

🌍 HERON EU Project strengthens situational awareness with 3D satellite mapping
A real-time satellite 3D map provides operators with continuous insight into the operational landscape.
🛰️ Dynamic loading via Cesium 3D tiles ensures high-resolution imagery with optimized performance and minimal data usage.
📍 The system displays the live location of the operator, cone polygon, and robot, along with its entire traveled path since activation.
🔎 Operators can monitor terrain features, identify obstacles, and measure total robot distance, enhancing safety, planning, and decision-making.
📡 The image below illustrates the robot’s real-time position and complete trajectory (blue lines) overlaid on the satellite map, offering a clear overview of progress and spatial coordination.

18/09/2025

🗺️ HERON EU Project boosts precision with AR cone positioning on satellite maps
A circular tabletop map, powered by Google Maps Static API, brings satellite imagery directly into the AR environment.
📍 AR cones are overlaid as 3D objects, enabling accurate manual adjustment based on real-world context.
🔍 Zoom functionality and gesture controls allow users to fine-tune placements with high precision.
🔗 Cones are interconnected to form polygons, clearly outlining the robot's operational zone for efficient resource deployment.
🟠 The visual below shows an example where AR cones (orange circles) define the active work area, with their connections forming a polygon that maps the robot’s movement boundaries on the tabletop satellite display.

21/05/2025

🤲 HERON EU Project enhances AR interaction through hand tracking
Magic Leap 2’s SDK enables intuitive control of AR objects via advanced hand gesture recognition.
🔍 Key point detection allows precise actions such as pinching to move objects or pointing to access data—no controller needed.
📌 This hands-free interaction model streamlines user engagement and boosts task efficiency in field operations.
💡 A step forward in immersive, gesture-based control within infrastructure maintenance environments.

14/05/2025

📌 HERON EU Project advances precision with AR object integration
Augmented Reality objects, powered by Unity, mirror real-world environments at a 1:1 scale—enhancing realism and immersion.
📍 A geo-projection method ensures accurate alignment of virtual cones and robotic data with their real-world coordinates.
🔄 Real-time robot tracking and object interaction support high-precision field tasks and optimized maintenance workflows.
🌐 The fusion of digital overlays and physical infrastructure enhances operational clarity and spatial awareness on-site.

07/05/2025

🖥️ HERON EU Project showcases a user-friendly AR Interface
The customized Satways Ltd-developed AR application for Magic Leap 2 delivers an intuitive UI designed to support infrastructure maintenance tasks in the field.
🔑 Features include virtual login screens, dynamic calibration menus, and gesture-based controls for real-time cone placement.
🧭 Interactive elements like adjustable observation maps and quick-access menus enhance usability and operational flow.
📲 Clear visual aids and contextual widgets provide an efficient, gesture-driven user experience.

30/04/2025

🚀 HERON EU Project introduces AR in Action
Satways Ltd-developed AR applications on Magic Leap 2 glasses bring hands-free, AR-powered support to infrastructure inspection and maintenance 👷‍♂️🔧🌍.
Advanced features such as spatial mapping, eye tracking, and dynamic dimming enhance precision and usability in real-world conditions.
💡 Built on Unity 3D and tailored for enterprise fieldwork.
⚙️ Effective even under outdoor lighting.
🔗 Integrated into HERON’s digital ecosystem for smarter infrastructure solutions.

23/04/2025

The HERON EU project introduces an autonomous pothole repair toolset, designed to streamline road maintenance with precision and efficiency 🚧🤖. This system integrates a blower for debris removal, a sealant tank for material application, and a roller for smooth compaction, ensuring durable and high-quality pothole repairs 🛠️🛣️. By automating the entire process, this innovative solution reduces manual labor, enhances road safety, and improves infrastructure longevity.
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15/04/2025

The HERON EU project introduces an autonomous crack-sealing toolset, designed to efficiently repair road surfaces and enhance infrastructure durability 🚧🤖. The robot is equipped with a pressurized sealant dispensing system, featuring an actuated spray gun and a spatula for precise application, ensuring seamless and effective crack filling 🛠️🛣️. With real-time image feedback and controlled navigation, this solution improves road maintenance efficiency, reducing manual labor and optimizing repair processes.
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08/04/2025

The HERON EU project showcases an autonomous road mark painting toolset, designed for precise and efficient road maintenance 🚧🤖. The robot is equipped with a dual-nozzle spraying system that simultaneously applies paint and reflective microspheres, ensuring durable and visible road markings 🎨🛣️. With real-time sensor feedback and advanced lane detection algorithms, the system guarantees smooth, accurate, and automated road mark application, paving the way for smarter infrastructure solutions.
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Address

Heroon Polytechneiou 9
Zografou
15772

Website

http://heron-h2020.eu/

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