MANTIS

MANTIS (Next Generation Modular AI-driven Live-Augmented Training System) develops a European, modular capability for realistic, adaptive tactical training that fuses XR lenses/helmets, a haptic textile suit (“MANTIS Skin”), a sensorised TCCC/IFAK toolkit, and a laser-based weapon simulation (LWS) with an AI-enabled, portable C2 Tactical Training Station. The C2 is architected as a rugged, high-performance CPU edge platform (containerised services, deterministic low-latency pipelines) protected by a Zero-Trust Architecture (ZTA) for identity, authentication, authorisation, and encrypted communications across all subsystems. This approach ensures deployability in disconnected/contested environments, security-by-design, and alignment with EU technological-sovereignty goals.

The overall ambition is to redefine tactical training in Europe by providing an adaptive, interoperable, and secure platform that prepares forces for the increasing complexity, uncertainty, and hybrid nature of modern operations.

Objectives and scope. MANTIS will (i) specify a human-centred, interoperable architecture for live-augmented training; (ii) prototype key subsystems (XR optics, haptic textiles, sensorised IFAK) and their interfaces; (iii) implement AI services for adaptive orchestration, monitoring and evaluation; and (iv) deliver a portable C2 tactical trainer ready for field deployment in controlled trials. Activities are strictly research and design with lab-scale validation: the consortium will mature technologies up to TRL-4 (functional validation in laboratory/controlled settings), consistent with EDF Research Actions (“low TRL—up to ~4/5”); MANTIS commits to not exceeding TRL-4 within this action.

Field	Value
Grant Agreement ID	101300765
Funding Organization	European Commission
Funding Programme	EDF-2025-LS-RA-SMERO
Topic	EDF-2025-LS-RA-SMERO-NT
Total Budget	3.997.405,26 EUR
K3Y Budget	245.598,96 EUR
Link	Project Link in EU Funding & Tenders Portal