An Cosantóir the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces.
Issue link: https://digital.jmpublishing.ie/i/1543182
| 15 PTE Ben McMahon AQUA-TRIC addresses the safety challenges faced during open-water swimming events, where visibility, distance, and delayed response can put athletes at risk. The system uses a compact, wearable transponder equipped with GPS, heart-rate monitoring, and accelerometer and gyroscope sensors to track position and detect swimming strokes. By identifying when a swimmer's shoulder breaks the water surface, the device intelligently triggers LoRa transmissions to ensure reliable long-range communication while conserving power. This data is received by a shore- based system, giving event organisers real-time insight to support rapid decision-making and emergency response. SGMN Derek Brady The SyncWellness system addresses challenges related to stress awareness and early intervention in high-pressure environments. The wearable continuously monitors physiological indicators associated with stress, including heart rate, skin conductance, temperature, and movement. Collected data is securely transmitted to a mobile application, allowing users to track trends and access supportive wellness tools. An integrated buddy support system enables timely check-ins during elevated stress, while GPS functionality supports identification of previous stress-trigger locations for preventative awareness. Future development aims to expand adaptive support for individuals with ASD through environmental and ambience-based features. Global Recognition Five third year final year projects were submitted by SETU for consideration in the Global Undergraduate Awards (GUA) 2025 with one student, Pte Ben McMahon, receiving the award for 'Best Undergraduate Engineering Project on the island of Ireland' in the Global Undergraduate Awards (GUA) 2025. This took place on the 09 Oct 2025 at the Royal Irish Academy. SGMN Paddy Hannon The Mosquito Zapper addresses the problem of mosquito presence overseas, by providing an automated detection and neutralisation system. Using a camera, sensors, and a microcontroller, the system identifies mosquito‑sized targets and determines their position in real time. A dual-axis galvanometer then directs a focused UV laser to the target for neutralisation. This system reduces reliance on chemical repellents and manual intervention. www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE