Tactical Tailor

Archive for the ‘Robotics’ Category

Blueye Robotics To Host Hands on Demonstration Treasure Hunt in Va Beach

Thursday, March 16th, 2023

Blueye Robotics is announcing a “treasure hunt” in Virginia Beach, VA, 10:00 am- 6:00 pm local time on Friday March 24, 2023, and Saturday March 25, 2023. The goal is to enable interested end users from across the professional, commercial and private spectrum to test drive the Blueye ROVs and get some hands-on instruction directing the ROVs and managing their various payloads from members of the Blueye team. Submerged targets will be acquired using a sonar and camera under professional instruction. The Blueye Robotics systems are very easy to set up, use and maintain. Additionally, products have been donated by dive industry notables like Ares Watch Company and SCUBAPRO for active participants in the target hunts. Also, any submerged trash that is encountered during the event will count as a “find” and will be removed from the bay.  

Blueye Robotics performed the blast damage survey of the Nord Stream pipeline in October 2022. This is a great opportunity to discuss the survey with members of the Blueye team who performed it as well as to handle an actual piece of the pipeline recovered during the survey. 

Food and soft drinks will be provided. Come on out and get some hands-on experience with the Blueye Robotics ROV’s, do a little networking, enjoy some good food and try to find some treasure. 

Wx call info: Light rain will not cancel the event; however, lightning may delay or cancel. Notification of any changes will be sent to all registrants.

Registration is required at no cost here: Event March 24: Blueye Treasure Hunt

SIG SAUER Announces Purchase of Remote Weapons Station Manufacturer General Robotics

Thursday, March 16th, 2023

Today SIG SAUER announced the purchase of Israeli manufacturer General Robotics. During January’s SIG Range Day in Las Vegas, they conducted a defense products demonstration featuring this new capability.

The demo featured a General Robotics Remote Weapons Station equipped Polaris All Terrain Vehicle laying down suppressive fire, outfitted with SIG’s MG 338 belt-fed machine in .338 Norma Mag.

Named the PITBULL, it is a collaboration with SIG SAUER.

Not only does it provide stabilization for more accurate long range shots, but it also allows the operator to remain under cover, observing and if needed, engaging targets without risk of injury.

PITBULL can be statically employed or mounted to land, air, and sea vehicles. It incorporates an EO/IR sensor package with auto zoom and optical focus along with an eye safe laser range finder. Additionally, there are two rear cameras for weapon and ammo management.

The brains of the system is the Remote Control Unit, a large touchscreen tablet. The system slews to items of interest via touching an area on the screen or via thumb controls. In addition to arming safeties, PITBULL features dual triggers to prevent accidental engagement. The connection is wireless with “Point to Point” secured communication.

PITBULL weighs 85Kg and is 60cm tall. It slews 360 degrees at a rate of 90 degrees per second. Elevation is approximately +60 degrees to -30 degrees depending on mounted weapon. PITBULL will accept a wide variety of machine guns besides the MG 338.

During AUSA, SIG had paired the MG 338 with an AimLock RWS, but this new business acquisition solidifies SIG’s commitment to the concept. I spoke with SIG CEO Ron Cohen about PITBULL and he was very enthusiastic about how well the system paired with the long range of the MG 338 saying, “Imagine being able to remotely and precisely engage a target a mile away from the PITBULL while you are safe inside a bunker. The MG 338 gives you the range of a .50 but with precision.”

Below is SIG SAUER’s press release regarding the acquisition.

SIG SAUER Acquires General Robotics
NEWINGTON, N.H., (March 16, 2023) – SIG SAUER is extremely excited to announce the acquisition of General Robotics, one of the world’s premier manufacturers of lightweight remote weapon stations and tactical robotics for manned and unmanned platforms and anti-drone applications.

Ron Cohen, President and CEO, SIG SAUER, Inc. began, “This acquisition will greatly enhance SIG SAUER’s growing portfolio of advanced weapon systems. The team at General Robotics is leading the way in the development of intuitive, lightweight remote weapon stations with their battle-proven solution.”

Recently, the U.S. Army selected the SIG SAUER lightweight machine gun (XM250), automatic rifle (XM7), and high-pressure hybrid ammunition for the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) program, representing a historic step forward in weapons technology. The NGSW program is currently in the early stages of adoption and the U.S. Army will field the weapons at the squad level in 2023.

“The combination of the General Robotics remote weapons station with SIG SAUER’s lightweight squad weapons and high-pressure hybrid ammunition will revolutionize small arms for military forces worldwide. This acquisition exponentially increases the capabilities of our lightweight weapon systems delivering transformative advancements in mobility, greater lethality and battle tested force protection for today’s warfighters,” continued Cohen.

“General Robotics and all our employees are honored to join forces with global defense leader SIG SAUER to integrate our platforms into a single solution to support military units around the world,” concluded Shahar Gal, CEO, General Robotics.

Australian Soldiers Use Brainwaves to Control Ghost Robotics Quadruped Unmanned Ground Vehicle 60

Monday, March 13th, 2023

During our coverage of last year’s Land Forces exhibition in Brisbane, Australia we mentioned the Australian Defence Force’s Robotic & Autonomous Systems Implementation & Coordination Office (RICO) which they are using to shape their ground robotics requirements.

Working in concert with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Defence Science and Technology Group, the RICO team has sent $1.2 million in research funding through the Defence Innovation Hub.

The investment is oaying off. One of their efforts is the exploration of brain-computer interfaces and their tactical applications. The result is a demonstration of using the operator’s brainwave to issue commands to a Ghost Robotics Vision 60 QUGV rather than through a control console.

The operator wears a HoloLens to view waypoints in Augmented Reality. They use a biosensor at the back of the operator’s head to detect corresponding brainwaves from the visual cortex which signals an amplification circuit. An artificial intelligence decoder then translates the signal into commands which are sent to the Vision 60 Quadruped.

The HoloLens also allows the operator to view the Vision 60’s cameras.

To watch a video demomstrating the capability, go here.

ADF photo by Sergeant Matthew Bickerton

General Robotics Showcases New Integrations at IDEX/NAVDEX 2023

Tuesday, February 21st, 2023

Moshav Beit Nehemya, Israel, 20 February 2023:


170M DETECTOR USV

General Robotics, Israel’s leader in Light Weight RCWS Systems and tactical robotics, highlights advanced integrations of the company’s systems over platforms from several manufacturers. The systems are displayed by several leading integrators participating in the IDEX defense exhibition and NAVDEX naval expo opening today in Abu Dhabi.

SHARK – Naval Light & Smart RCWS

On display is the SHARK, a remotely controlled weapon system (RCWS) mounting an M2HB .50 machine gun. SHARK is installed over the 170M DETECTOR, an autonomous vessel developed by the ADSB company and IAI. (Stand 05-A05)

Built as a rugged, robust, seaworthy system, it is versatile enough to operate remotely on a cluttered deck, scoring direct hits at a sea state up to 3, where the platform and targets constantly move. With SHARK onboard, operators can benefit from advanced automation, stabilization, and platform integration functions such as the intuitive ‘Point & Shoot™ technology’. The AI-driven fire control runs a target prediction algorithm (TPA) to align the projectile’s path and the target’s expected location and points the weapon in that direction. Only then is a burst fired. This technique has demonstrated a hit accuracy of over 80 percent.


Pitbull RCWS mounting the Sig Sauer MG338

PITBULL RCWS

The latest version of the PITBULL lightweight RCWS is shown in two configurations. One is shown by the Abu Dhabi company EDT, mounted on Plasan’s ATEMM, a ground robotic vehicle that can be deployed as an unattended weapon system. The ATEMM on display carries a stack of loitering weapons, self-protected by General Robotics’ PITBULL RCWS mounting the .50 CAL H2MG. (Stand 11-C07). The PITBULL is also displayed with the new MG338 at Sig Sauer’s Stand 02-B14.


PITBULL RCWS mounted on Plasan’s ATEMM.


Teamwork – DOGO and CHAMELEON.

Robotic Teamwork

The teamwork of two operational robotic systems developed by General Robotics is also explored. DOGO, a small tracked armed reconnaissance robot optimized for operations indoors, is now geared to work with Chameleon as a marsupial robot carried on DOGO’s back or thrown up to a higher floor or roof to enhance situational awareness and extend communications link. DOGO and CHAMELEON are on display at International Golden Group (IGG) at Stand 04-C20


PITBULL provides the hard kill element of UAE’s Resource Industries’ C-UAS suite.

PITBULL Anti Drone

Another version of PITBULL highlights the system’s anti-drone capabilities. PITBULL can be equipped with electronic effectors from D-FEND Solutions or Droneshield for soft-kill or employ a firearm with its sophisticated automatic target recognition, tracking, and advanced target prediction capabilities for hard kill. Resource Industries (Booth CP-050) shows the PITBULL Anti-Drone in this configuration.

Milrem Robotics Exhibits Cutting-Edge Intelligent and Integrated Robotic Systems at IDEX 2023

Monday, February 20th, 2023

The leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer Milrem Robotics exhibits several cutting-edge intelligent and integrated robotic systems at IDEX 2023 launched today in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The robotic systems on display are intended for a wide range of missions, including tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and sophisticated combat operations.

Milrem Robotics’ unmanned systems are complemented with Milrem’s Intelligent Functions Kit MIFIK which provides autonomous capabilities and a command-and-control system intended specifically for robotic systems that integrates multiple dissimilar unmanned aerial and ground assets. Milrem Robotics’ solutions aim to facilitate manned-unmanned teaming, the synchronized deployment of soldiers, manned and unmanned air and ground vehicles, robotics, and sensors to achieve enhanced situational awareness, increased lethality, and improved survivability.

”In ten years Milrem Robotics has evolved from a vehicle developer into a system integrator in the robotics domain. We provide full system solutions including different ground and aerial systems with integrated command and control. Over the next years we will increase our product portfolio in terms of new autonomous ground systems and work on manned-unmanned teaming solutions,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of MIlrem Robotics.

Altogether three Milrem Robotics’ systems can be found at IDEX.

The Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle is an organic part of mechanized units that can take the most dangerous positions and provide equal or overmatching firepower and tactical usage compared to traditional Infantry Fighting Vehicles. Thanks to Vegvisir’s Mixed Reality Situational Awareness System Type-X operators have a 360-degree virtual dome with EO/IR sensor fusion for both close and medium proximity vision and target engagement capabilities in any condition.

In addition to a 30mm autocannon, the Type-X is equipped with Halcon’s Hunter 2S loitering munitions launchers. 

The two other displayed robotic systems are based on the multi-mission THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) that is already delivered to 16 countries, including 8 NATO members and that has proven itself during a 12-month deployment in Mali during Operation Barkhane.

The THeMIS Combat UGV provides high-precision direct-fire support for manoeuvre units. With the self-stabilizing, dual-gun SCORPION Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) by Saudi Advanced Technologies (Wahaj), advanced sensors and fire control system, the THeMIS Combat allows units to assess and engage the enemy at maximum standoff distances, increasing force protection and survivability. Additional security is provided with the Spexer 2000 radar, which can detect small and slow as well as fast manoeuvring targets on the move and operate in a high-clutter environment.

The THeMIS Observe is built for tactical reconnaissance missions. The system includes a variety of sensors for day and night operations, acoustic gunshot detector, smoke screen protection and a ground surveillance radar. Extra security is provided by the deFNder® Light RWS by FN Herstal. The combination of those systems allows units to do multi sensor identification on one platform and react faster on emerging targets.

The company’s products are on display with EDGE, one of the world’s leading defence groups, and an emerging leader in the development and manufacture of technologically advanced autonomous systems in stand A05 – C10.

Fort Bragg’s Airborne Innovation Lab Prepares Ghost Robotics Vision 60 Q-UGV Model for Airdrop Testing

Wednesday, February 8th, 2023

Putting the AIRBORNE in Airborne Innovation Lab.

The AIL built a model of the Ghost Robotics Vision 60 Q-UGV for testing door bundle configurations of the Division asset.

Here you see the first iteration, Woody 1, being fitted for his first airborne operation. Once initial testing is complete, they will begin iterating on a metal model of the Vision 60.

Designing, testing, and learning is a cyclic process that the Division continues to do as Masters of the Airborne JFE.

SHOT Show 23 – Ghost Robotics x Onyx Industries Nautical Autonomous Unmanned Tail

Friday, January 20th, 2023

Exhibiting in the Darley Defense booth the Ghost Robotics team has been demonstrating the various capabilities of their Vision 60 Quadraped Unmanned Ground Vehicle seen in this photo from Ghost Robotics.

An unexpected capability is the ability to swim. Onyx Industries developed an appliqué called the Nautical Autonomous Unmanned Tail kit which uses a water jet to propel the Quadraped through water at a speed of 3 knots for over half an hour.

Onyx Industries provided this photo of the NAUT mounted to a Vision 60.

Boston Dynamics Joins Persistent Systems Wave Relay Ecosystem

Wednesday, January 18th, 2023

• Persistent Systems networking devices to be sold with robots intended for defense, public safety applications

• Spot® quadruped robot equipped with the Persistent Systems MPU5 is well suited to keep responding teams out of harm’s way during a wide range of potentially hazardous environments and situations

NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2023 — Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) technology, announced today that mobile robotics company Boston Dynamics has joined Persistent’s Wave Relay® Ecosystem.

The Ecosystem is an industry alliance of unmanned system and sensor producers all using the Wave Relay® MANET as their preferred network for command-and-control and communications. As part of its agreement with Boston Dynamics, Persistent will supply the MANET devices used on robots sold to defense, public safety, law enforcement and U.S. federal government customers.

“We are excited to have Boston Dynamics join our Ecosystem,” said Jeremy Hickman, Director of Business Development for Persistent Systems. “We believe that our MANET technology will provide their robots with a high-performance solution that is robust, reliable and scalable—and also enables interoperability with third-party unmanned and sensor platforms.”

Boston Dynamics officials noted that they see the new Ecosystem agreement with Persistent Systems as a way of better positioning the company’s robotic quadruped Spot for industries requiring dedicated, secure communications networks in remote environments.

“We see Spot, operating on a Persistent Systems MANET, being used in many different applications, including subterranean or confined space exploration, unexploded ordnance inspection, suspicious package investigation, hazardous gas detection, search and rescue, and structural inspection,” said Kimberly Chamblin, Director of Partnerships, Public Sector, at Boston Dynamics.

In addition to MANET hardware being physically integrated with Boston Dynamics robots, robotic command-and-control software will be loaded onto Persistent Systems devices so that users can control them via the Persistent Systems Remote Display and Controller (RDC).

“So, not only will you be able to stream sensor data collected by Spot, but you will also be able to control its movement with the RDC,” Hickman said. “This configuration both empowers the users and reduces the need for each unmanned system to have its own unique controller.”

For more information about Persistent’s MANET solutions, visit our website: www.persistentsystems.com.