This Week (and last week) in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World
Australian Defence Force (ADF) Academy has announced that in August, it received two Mk6 UGVs. According to private Jacob Joseph, the academy received the vehicles after undergoing testing at Exercise Talisman Sabre. (Army Technology)
UGV
UGV
FLIR Systems awarded $26 million contract modification in support of NBCRV SSU program for U.S. Army
In support of the Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle Sensor Suite Upgrade (NBCRV SSU) program for the U.S. Army, FLIR Systems has been awarded a $26 million contract modification.
As a follow-on to a $48 million contract announced in April 2019, the Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement was awarded through the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND).
Mesodyne wins 2020 Startup Showdown
Mesodyne, a company that has developed a power generator for unmanned systems that require high endurance, was named the winner of the
SKA Custom Robots and Machines offering interactive robotic experience during Xponential
Although Xponential is taking place in a virtual environment this year, that doesn’t mean that attendees won’t be able to have an interactive experience, thanks to the efforts of engineering consulting and contracting firm SKA Custom Robots and Machines.
During the show, SKA, an exhibitor during this year’s Xponential, will demonstrate robotics being teleoperated. The demonstrations will feature Ultra-Light Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) being controlled and maneuvered around a makeshift obstacle course, offering attendees a third person perspective.
On Thursday, Oct. 8, attendees will actually be able to take control of the UGVs and teleoperate the vehicles themselves from their own computers.
Milrem Robotics' Multiscope Rescue UGV showcases capabilities during urban search and rescue exercise
During the first week of September, Milrem Robotics’ Multiscope Rescue UGV was utilized by the Estonian Disaster Relief Team (EDRT) during an urban search and rescue (USAR) exercise in the main training facility of the Estonian Rescue Board in Väike-Maarja, Estonia.
Using the UGV, the rescue equipment of two USAR units was transported to the operation area, allowing members of the unit to save their energy and reach survivors quicker.
Milrem Robotics, John Cockerill Defense showcase Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle
In front of select military forces from across the globe, Milrem Robotics and John Cockerill Defense showcased the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle with the Cockerill Protected Weapons Station Gen. II (CPWS II).
The Type-X chassis features what the companies describe as a “revolutionary design” for a mobile modular multi-mission vehicle that provides a platform for a family of unmanned armored vehicles. According to the companies, the Type-X is the “first combat vehicle that is purposefully designed to be unmanned intended to be an integral part of mechanized units.”
U.S. Army and Navy order more than 160 of FLIR Systems' Centaur UGVs
The U.S. Army and Navy have ordered more than 160 of FLIR Systems’ Centaur UGVs, plus related spares and accessories.
Totaling $23.5 million, the two contracts are being sourced through the Army’s Man Transportable Robotic System Increment II (MTRS Inc II) program. Deliveries are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2020.
“With the Navy joining the MTRS Inc II program, it means that all U.S. military forces will now use a common, medium-sized robotic platform for EOD and CBRN operations,” says Roger Wells, VP and general manager of the Unmanned Systems & Integrated Solutions business at FLIR.
Milrem Robotics, InnoVfoam developing robot firefighting systems
Milrem Robotics has announced that it is working with foam extinguishing technology specialist InnoVfoam to develop robot firefighting systems that could help, or even replace, firefighters in especially hostile environments.
Milrem Robotics’ Multiscope Rescue UGV are equipped with various firefighting systems from InnoVfoams—specifically foam proportioning systems and fire monitors—to create the firefighting platforms.
Firefighters remotely operate the robots from a safe distance. They are provided with a complete overview of the operation area through various cameras, as well as sensors onboard the robot that can detect gas or chemical leaks.
U.S. Marine Corps orders more than 140 of FLIR Systems' Centaur UGVs
Through an $18.6 million contract sourced through the Dept. of Defense Man Transportable Robotic System Increment II (MTRS Inc II) program, the U.S. Marine Corps has ordered more than 140 of FLIR Systems’ Centaur UGVs, plus spares.
Marine Corps Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams will use the UGVs to help with various hazardous tasks such as disarming improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and unexploded ordnance. Different sensors and payloads can be added to support several different mission types.
Deliveries of the UGVs are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2020.
Milrem Robotics to deliver two UGVs to UK's Defense Science and Technology Laboratory
Milrem Robotics has announced that it will deliver two UGVs to the United Kingdom’s Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).
With a goal of maximizing the impact of science and technology for the defense and security of the UK, DSTL is acquiring the UGVs to explore the capabilities and limitations of this technology in a variety of areas such as mobility, vulnerabilities and safety.
“The United Kingdom has a clear view on the importance of robotics on the battlefield and its impact on defense capabilities,” says Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.
