From 27–28 November 2024, the ODYSSEUS consortium convened in Lisbon, Portugal, for its 5th plenary meeting. Hosted by Vision-Box (VISB), this significant event brought together project partners to review progress, discuss key milestones, and prepare for the next phase of implementation.
The meeting began with work progress reporting, where partners provided updates on the current status of their respective work packages. This session offered a comprehensive overview of achievements, challenges, and upcoming priorities, setting the stage for focused discussions on advancing the project’s objectives. Following this, a session on the EU AI Act explored its implications for the project, highlighting the consortium’s commitment to ensuring compliance with evolving EU regulations. These discussions reaffirmed the alignment of ODYSSEUS technologies with ethical AI practices and European standards.
The day continued with a Platform Integration Workshop, featuring a demonstration by Vision-Box of its biometric matching technology. Partners engaged in detailed discussions on optimising algorithms for precision and reliability. Vision-Box emphasised that biometric matching is performed only when input data meets stringent quality standards, ensuring accurate results. Feedback from end-user partners highlighted the importance of high-quality face capture, reinforcing the collaborative approach to refining ODYSSEUS technologies.
The 2nd day centred on preparations for the pilot demonstrations, which mark the transition from development to real-world implementation. These pilots, scheduled for Albita and Ungheni border crossing points in Romania, aim to assess the functionality and effectiveness of ODYSSEUS technologies under operational conditions. The consortium also conducted a thorough review of the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This session outlined how these metrics will guide the evaluation of project success, ensuring alignment with the goals and standards of the EU funding programme.
In addition to the formal sessions, the plenary included a networking dinner, providing an informal environment for partners to strengthen relationships and share insights.
As the pilot demonstrations approach, the consortium remains focused on delivering impactful outcomes that meet the highest standards of quality and effectiveness.
Stay tuned for more updates as ODYSSEUS progresses towards its next milestones in enhancing border management across Europe.
