Roper partnered with DS2 to accelerate the integration of their groundbreaking wearable technology, PATCH, into the TAK ecosystem.

Roper’s PATCH is a rugged, waterproof, off‑grid communications device built as a low‑profile flag patch. It creates a secure mesh network for texting, GPS tracking, and remote wellness monitoring—no infrastructure required. PATCH units connect directly to each other using AES‑256 encryption and can operate independently as trackers or pair with a smartphone for enhanced team visibility and messaging.

To expand PATCH’s reach and interoperability, DS2 rapidly developed a TAK Messaging Gateway that enables PATCH data to flow seamlessly into the broader TAK environment—widely used across the U.S. military and first responder communities. TAK integration delivered two critical capabilities:

• A unified, widely adopted platform for accessing and visualizing PATCH data
• A standardized interface to other radios and backhaul systems, extending PATCH’s nominal 1.5‑mile range and enabling over‑the‑horizon data sharing

By converting PATCH messages into Cursor on Target (CoT) format, DS2 ensured that PATCH data can be distributed through a TAK Server or sent directly to any TAK client for real‑time situational awareness.

In just six weeks, DS2 designed, delivered, deployed, and trained users on the TAK Message Gateway, giving Roper a secure, reliable path to push PATCH data into the TAK ecosystem. The solution is now operational in the field, supporting expanded communications and enhanced team safety.