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Archive for the ‘Robotics’ Category

See The GHOSTROBOTICS Vision 60 in Action at CANSEC

Friday, May 23rd, 2025

Meet the future of operational readiness — the GHOSTROBOTICS Vision 60.

Rugged. Adaptable. Mission-ready.

Visit us at CANSEC 2025 (28-29 May) in the Millbrook Tactical booth #421, and see how this ground-breaking tech can elevate your edge.

Milrem Robotics to Provide Six THeMIS UGVs to CNIM Systèmes Industriels Intended for Ukraine

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025

Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer, will supply the French company CNIM Systèmes Industriels with six THeMIS UGVs, which will be integrated with route clearance systems and delivered to Ukraine.

CNIM Systèmes Industriels will provide Ukraine with six ROCUS (Route Clearance Unmanned Systems). Financed by the French government, ROCUS UGVs will be delivered to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) for rapid ground clearance.

The ROCUS was developed based on the THeMIS platform and includes a route clearance payload developed and adapted by CNIM Systèmes Industriels.

ROCUS UGVs extend the stand-off distance from threats and improve operational effectiveness in high-risk environments. They enable units to remotely inspect, confirm, and neutralise a broad spectrum of explosive threats, thereby ensuring the safety of deminers.

ROCUS’ will help SESU secure civilians’ movement, protect the environment, revive agriculture in the country, and rebuild residential areas.

“We are proud to continue to support Ukraine through the contract with CNIM Systèmes Industriels. THeMIS UGVs have already proven their versatility and reliability in various operational scenarios in Ukraine and elsewhere,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “Our continuous partnership with CNIM Systèmes Industriels to provide the ROCUS system demonstrates the strength of European defence cooperation and the commitment to supplying meaningful capabilities to Ukraine.”

The six UGVs will join the first seven ROCUS systems deployed in Ukraine in 2022. In total, 15 unmanned systems from Milrem Robotics have been deployed to Ukraine.

Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS UGV is part of robotics programmes or is in service in 19 countries, making it the most widely used UGV in its size class.

US Army Opens Recruiting for Robotics Warrant Officer MOS

Monday, May 19th, 2025

Last fall, I mentioned a that US Army Special Operations Command was adapting to the evolving face of warfare by creating a new Military Occupational Specialty. In true SOF fashion, they attacked the problem asymmetrically by adapting a career management field they had control over and using authorities to recruit talent into the warrant officer force. Now, it’s open for applications. If you are into emerging warfighting capabilities, this is the job for you. I’m jealous something like this wasn’t available when I was in.

MOS 390A Robotics Technician

The result is MOS 390A Robotics Technician, intended to enable and provide robotic and autonomous system solutions to tactical problems across all warfighting functions and domains during competition, crisis, and combat operations.  The 390A will be assigned to tactical formations at brigade/group-level and above.  This new MOS will be the subject matter expert for planning robotics and autonomous systems operations, integrating those operations into broader plans, engineering and fabricating robotic and autonomous system solutions to tactical problems, managing attritable systems and their kinetic and sensor payloads, and delivering those capabilities and effects in support of Soldiers at the tactical edge.

Eligibility:

a.  The MOS is open to all enlisted, officer, and warrant officer that are currently serving in Special Operations Forces Units. As there is no requirement for SFQC graduation, I hope to see some enablers applying.

i.  Enlisted: Open to all MOS and grades/ranks.

ii.  Warrant Officer: Applicants must be a graduate of the Warrant Officer Candidate School and a Warrant Officer Basic Course.  Must be a Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW2) with a minimum of one-year time in grade or Chief Warrant Officer Three (CW3) with no more than one-year time in grade.

iii.  Officer: Applicants open to all branches. Officers must be branch qualified.

b.  Must meet Army physical fitness and Army Height / Weight standards.

c.  Must possess a Secret clearance.

d.  Have no derogatory information in their OMPF, a referred NCOER or OER, or pending adverse action.

e.  Must be able to complete a 3-year tour following graduation from WOBC.

Packet Submission Deadline is Friday, 1 August 2025 

For full information, visit recruiting.army.mil/In-Service-Opportunities/US-Army-Warrant-Officer-Recruiting/Do-I-Qualify/WO-MOS-Feeder-List/39A-Robotics-Technician

Red Cat Expands Maritime Domain Capabilities with Battle-Tested Unmanned Surface Vessels

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

Strategic partnership with leading USV company enhances Red Cat’s multi-domain capabilities and capitalizes on rapidly growing global demand for autonomous, kinetic-capable platforms

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, May 14, 2025 — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat”), a leading provider of drone technology for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced the expansion of its multi-domain Family of Systems with a new line of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). This strategic move marks Red Cat’s official entry into the rapidly evolving maritime autonomy market and reinforces its position as a provider of comprehensive, interoperable unmanned systems for air, land, and sea operations.

Meeting the Demands of Modern Conflict

Red Cat’s entry into the maritime domain builds on existing inroads, including a partnership with Ocean Power Technologies to integrate its aerial drones with autonomous maritime platforms. Red Cat’s own line of kinetic-capable USVs marks a significant step forward. The decision is a direct response to rising geopolitical tensions and a shift in U.S. defense priorities toward re-asserting American maritime dominance globally. Red Cat is well positioned to deliver American-manufactured solutions that address these urgent operational needs of the U.S. and allied naval forces.

“This is a pivotal moment for Red Cat as we evolve from an aerial-first drone company into a true multi-domain defense provider,” said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. “This expansion into maritime platforms opens significant opportunities in a fast-growing and urgently needed defense sector. As the U.S. and its allies confront rising maritime threats, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, there’s a clear demand for powerful, proven, and scalable USVs made in America. With these USVs, we’re helping to shape the future of autonomous warfare and strengthening the foundation of U.S. defense manufacturing.”

Introducing Red Cat’s New Line of USVs

Red Cat is bringing its line of USVs to market in partnership with a leading global manufacturer of USVs. The system is tested daily in actual combat and designed to operate either autonomously or in manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) configurations. The technology already has 10,000+ hours of operating time in live combat missions. Moving into production will accelerate Red Cat’s roadmap for USVs that integrate seamlessly with its existing family of ISR and unmanned aerial systems, supporting multi-domain and swarming operations.

“This system has been used day in and day out in the current conflict, accumulating tens of thousands of hours in real combat operations and achieving dozens of successful kinetic engagements against enemy assets, more than any navy since World War II,” Thompson stated. “By partnering with a company that has extensive proven experience and is well beyond the proof-of-concept stage, we gain a substantial competitive advantage as we enter this market.”

Red Cat is preparing to start production in Q3 of a seven-meter Expeditionary Multi-Role Craft developed to meet the demands of high-speed, long-range, kinetic maritime operations. It is built for larger payloads, extended endurance, and increased firepower. The version has enhanced range, payload capacity, and mission flexibility making it ideal for deep-strike missions, anti-ship warfare, and coastal interdiction in contested zones.

Leaders in Ship Building and Marine Innovation

Red Cat has assembled an elite team of master boatbuilders, drawing from industry leaders with centuries of collective experience. Renowned for pioneering advanced jet propulsion systems and crafting superior, American-made hulls, our team brings unmatched expertise to every vessel. Boatbuilding at scale demands profound knowledge and precision—qualities our proven professionals deliver with decades of hands-on experience, ensuring excellence in every detail.

For more information about Red Cat’s mission and its line of Unmanned Surface Vessels visit www.redcat.red/USV.

SOF Week 25 – Transcend Robotics

Wednesday, May 14th, 2025

Transcend Robotics exhibited their Vantage Mil and Vantage Mini systems in the ADS Inc booth.

The Mini is a great throw-bot option, offering 8-inch automatic obstacle climbing, 2-hour runtime with swappable batteries, and up to 250ft communications NLOS.

Vantage MIL, an under 40 pound multi-mission ISR UGV is deployable in under one minute. Based on patented mobility technology, no operator intervention is required to overcome cluttered areas, barriers up to 16 inches, and international stairs.

These systems are IP-based allowing you to use Silvus, Persistent Systems, or other approved radios as required, that can also serve as comms relays (currently comes standard with Silvus). The robots come with tracks as well as wheels, allowing you to select which drive setup best suits your mission, and you can easily swap between them in the field. You can integrate with ATAK directly, or by utilizing Tomahawk’s Kinesis Ecosystem and S20 Grip controller.

European High-Tech Consortium Secures Funding from the European Defence Fund to Develop Multipurpose Unmanned Ground Systems

Saturday, May 10th, 2025

The consortium that successfully delivered the groundbreaking iMUGS (integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System) project in 2023 has secured funding from the European Defence Fund (EDF) for the follow-up project, iMUGS2, which aims to develop next-generation Multipurpose Unmanned Ground Systems (UGS).

The consortium’s €55 million proposal, submitted under the EDF’s 2024 call for collaborative defence research and development, was officially approved for funding of nearly €50 million in late April. This strategic victory highlights Europe’s commitment to enhancing its defence capabilities and technological independence through innovative and cooperative industrial development.

“Winning this EDF call is a crucial step in ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of developing advanced unmanned technologies. Our consortium unites top-tier expertise from across the EU, and we are prepared to deliver a capability that enhances our armed forces’ operational effectiveness and safety,” said Raul Rikk, Capability Development Director at Milrem Robotics, the consortium lead.

Unmanned vehicles (UxVs) have emerged as one of the most significant innovations in modern military operations, as evidenced by their deployment during the war in Ukraine. Effective cooperation among UxVs, manned vehicles, operators, and soldiers is crucial for enhancing combat effectiveness. This collaboration aims to reduce casualties, minimise collateral damage, and lessen the cognitive burden on warfighters.

Using outputs from iMUGS and other European-funded initiatives, iMUGS2 aims to expedite research and move rapidly towards practical, deployable solutions. The enhancement of operational capabilities will be demonstrated through trials with military tactical units. The project will also focus on developing interoperability among European nations and incorporate lessons from recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, where several Consortium member systems are deployed.

“Our project aims to develop and deploy cost-effective, modular unmanned systems capable of supporting dismounted, mechanised, and motorised infantry in all European environments, including GNSS-denied areas and adverse climatic conditions,” Rikk added.

iMUGS2 has three primary outcomes. Firstly, it aims to develop, validate, and demonstrate cost-effective, combat-ready UGSs that support dismounted troops at various operational levels and provide practical value in different operations. Secondly, the project will establish operational concepts demonstrating how UGS and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) can enhance the capabilities of infantry battalions and cross-domain operations. Thirdly, the project will improve the modular and open architecture and Through Life Capability Management (TLCM) framework, which enables the efficient integration of autonomous functionalities with both legacy and new systems across unmanned and optionally manned ground platforms, including the conversion of manned vehicles.

About the Consortium

The iMUGS2 consortium has grown to include 29 partners from 15 European Union member states and associated nations, encompassing all initial project partners. The team consists of large corporations, mid-sized businesses, SMEs, and research organisations. Each partner contributes leading expertise in their respective fields, promoting a comprehensive vision throughout the project’s lifecycle. This diversity allows the consortium to tackle potential challenges and deliver strategic and effective solutions.

The iMUGS2 Consortium consists of the following entities: AVL List, Bittium Wireless, Czech Technical University in Prague, Cybernetica, Delft Dynamics, Diehl Defence, dotOcean, Elettronica, Escribano Mechanical and Engineering, FN Herstal, GMV Aerospace and Defence, Huta Stalowa Wola, Insta Advance,  Integrated Systems Development, John Cockerill Defense, KNDS France, KNDS Germany, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Latvijas Mobilais Telefons, ?ukasiewicz – PIAP, Milrem Robotics (project coordinator), Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, Nortal (Talgen Cybersecurity), Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, the Royal Military Academy of Belgium, Safran Electronics & Defense, Secura, Svensk Konstruktionstjänst, Systecon Konsult.

For more information, please visit imugs.eu.

Learn About Ghost Robotics During SOF Week

Monday, May 5th, 2025

Ghost Robotics will be exhibiting their Vision 60 Quadraped Unmanned Ground Vehicles in the Raven Advisory booth #1453 during this week’s SOF Week at the Tampa Convention Center, May 6-8.

Army Advances Research in Robotics, AI and Autonomy

Friday, April 18th, 2025

ADELPHI, Md. — In recognition of National Robotics Week, U.S. Army researchers highlight some of their groundbreaking work aimed at advancing the future of human-machine integration for the battlefield.

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory, known as DEVCOM ARL, robotics research spans across ground and air autonomous systems, and energy systems, that support future mobility and maneuverability of these systems. ARL robotics researchers partner with industry, government and academia to help protect and support the Soldier.

One example of a recent ARL breakthrough is integrating generative artificial intelligence with robotics for battle damage assessment operations. ARL robots are now capable of understanding and responding to natural language, offering the Soldier human-like interactions.

“We are bridging the gap between humans and robots, making them more intuitive, responsive, and, ultimately, more useful for the Soldier,” said Phil Osteen, a lead researcher for the Artificial Intelligence for Maneuver and Mobility, or AIMM program. “ARL researchers have demonstrated an interactive bi-directional communication system that enables real-time exchanges between humans and robots.”

By interacting with Soldiers using natural language, robots can better communicate battlefield observations such as damage assessments and mission execution reports, enhancing battlefield operations.

The AIMM program is also focused on advancing autonomous off-road mobility, human-guided machine learning, and tactical behaviors that go beyond simple point-to-point movement. Army operations are complex, requiring considerations such as cover, concealment, mission considerations and formation controls, according to Udam Silva, AIMM program manager.

“We’ve made significant progress in off-road mobility,” Silva said. “We can now autonomously navigate through dense vegetation at operational speeds.”

ARL researchers also leverage external collaboration. In a research effort under AIMM, robotics researchers collaborate with an industry partner, Overland AI, on dual-use hardware and software solutions for ground autonomy, enabling vehicles to navigate challenging natural terrain autonomously at operationally relevant speeds.

In a separate ARL autonomous program, Human Autonomy Teaming, or HAT, is creating a cutting-edge toolkit of a suite of technologies that enable continuous mission planning, execution and review process between humans and autonomous systems, offering a more honest assessment. This iterative, or continuous assessment is a way of shortening that cycle, so Soldiers can determine when their autonomous systems deviate and why.

“This gives Soldiers the tools to correct robots’ behaviors using techniques such as human-guided machine learning developed by multiple ARL programs,” said Dr. Brandon Perelman, HAT program manager.

The HAT program is ensuring the U.S. Army’s software is continually refined to counter adversaries’ adaptations, according to Perelman.

According to Perelman, the software being developed is compatible with multiple interfaces, so mission plans can go into any equipped vehicle. It has a data synchronization and re-streaming package so different data streams can line up, while also looking at video feeds and positions, navigation and timing data from a robot for a fuller view of a complex situation such as encountered on the battlefield.

The HAT program informs future research aimed to expand vertically to higher, larger echelons in the Army chain of command as well as horizontally, across warfighting functions, to include multiple domains such as mount-dismount coordination, and ground-air teaming.

These examples represent some of ARL’s transformative robotics work that span multiple critical domains, designed to enhance military capabilities and ensure technological superiority.

Related link: Robotics Research Collaboration Campus (R2C2)

By U.S. Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory Public Affairs