Contract Resources Group’s Post

The USAF announcement of five (unnamed) mission autonomy system providers is a signpost for the future. Here's what we found interesting: 1️⃣ Both "traditional and non-traditional vendors" involved. 2️⃣ Increment One production decision in 2026. 3️⃣ Increment Two concept design phase in 2025, with the possibility of "co-development, co-production type of arrangements if that's what's of interest to foreign partners". 👇 Which means... ➡ Software designers need to understand air combat requirements. Getting the 'brains' of autonomous systems right is more important than building airframes, because agent behaviour will define mission success. ➡ This is going to move fast. Smaller, lighter and expendable airframes grouped into a family of systems running on a shared architecture will allow rapid prototyping (perhaps even completely digital OT&E?). ➡ Conversely, crewed aircraft are here to stay. As Bruno Clermont has pointed out, collaborative and teamed aircraft are huge force multipliers when used alongside 4.5 and 5th gen fighters, extending sensor and weapon ranges. Existing fighter programmes have potentially decades of life left. #AUKUS #LoyalWingman #RAAF https://lnkd.in/gdhtKe9z

Fascinating article and video of flying robots killing ground robots.

Robots Gone Wild: a grand Demo Day for unmanned ground vehicles Forty Ukrainian developers showcased 100 domestically-produced unmanned ground vehicles, including 40 medevac and logistics platforms, strike systems, mine-laying robots, and kamikaze robots. These systems were rigorously tested at a dedicated range. Each robot traversed a 2.6-kilometer obstacle course featuring potholes, engineering barriers, fallen trees, ramps, sand, railway tracks, and water-filled trenches. This setup aimed to assess their adaptability to modern warfare. The course evaluated: ◾ Water resistance ◾ Speed and braking performance ◾ Noise levels ◾ Maneuverability on challenging terrain Additionally, an electronic warfare system was employed on one section of the course to disrupt communication between the operator and the ground robot. Specific tests were conducted for mine-laying robots and kamikaze systems. These robots were evaluated on their speed over 100 meters of flat terrain, their ability to navigate 400 meters of obstacles, and their performance in simulating target neutralization at the final stage. All trials were conducted in the presence of representatives from Ukraine's Security and Defense Forces, providing them with a firsthand look at the advancements made by Ukrainian robotic systems developers. Participants also had the opportunity to network with other developers, share experiences, and discuss potential collaborations. The Demo Day was organized with the support of Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel Andriy Lebedenko. Brave1 regularly hosts demo days, enabling Ukrainian developers to test and demonstrate their solutions to potential operators. These events offer manufacturers valuable feedback to refine and upgrade their systems accordingly.

With the proliferation of robots on the modern battlefield continuing to accelerate at pace, it begs the question, 'how will these autonomous systems achieve true autonomy without remote access to power?' See linked article https://lnkd.in/eCKVRAux In modern warfare the endurance of autonomous robots is pivotal. At Quaze, we have the technology to increase the durability of autonomous robots without human intervention. The human-robot mix in warfare is as much about sustainability as it is about combat effect. Our unique wide surface wireless power technology enables uninterrupted robotic operations - with the ability to provide autonomous charging solutions that could keep robots on the battlefield continually 'on task'. #USArmy #USMilitary #UnmannedGroundVehicles #Unmannedaerialsystems #UAS #Drones #UnitedStates #Technology #RoboticVehicle #Robot #DefenseSpending #MOD #BritishArmy #RAF #RoyalNavy #CanadianArmy #BorderForce #CanadianNavy Francis Roy Xavier Bidaut Philippe Boulanger Jamie Clarke Gareth Baker Victoria Baker

The THeMIS advanced autonomous combat support unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) by Milrem Robotics will be introduced at the Defense Services Asia (#DSA), Kuala Lumpur. The operationally proven multi-role unmanned ground vehicle considerably enhances combat effectiveness while reducing manpower requirements. THeMIS UGVs are equipped with Milrem Robotics’ Intelligent Functions Kit – MIFIK – that leverages state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms and allows operators to plan missions using waypoint navigation and set en-route vehicle behaviours. 🔗 Further details >> https://hubs.la/Q02v_Wx80 Capable of autonomous operation in complex environments, UGVs can drastically reduce the need for human intervention and the need for large manpower deployments. "The deployment of UGVs reduces the burden on human troops, allowing them to focus on strategic planning and higher-level tasks while delegating repetitive or dangerous missions to autonomous systems.” - Patrick E. Shepherd, Chief Sales Officer of Milrem Robotics Read more on the Defense Advancement website. #robotics #AI #machinelearning #kualalumpur #defense

ARX Robotics has launched ARX Mithra OS, the first AI-based operating system for upgrading military vehicles into autonomous units. It provides a cost-effective retrofit solution for outdated fleets, enhancing operational efficiency, troop safety, and adaptability. The system supports NATO’s modernization efforts, addressing Europe’s defense needs amid evolving battlefield requirements. Meet the team 👉 Marc A. Wietfeld | Stefan Roebel | Roberta Randerath Daniel Kirch | Jan Dick | Sven Kruck | Carsten Ramke | Florian Seibel | Julian Kettel

Dual-Use Technologies: Bridging Civilian and Military Robotics Did you know civilian robots are increasingly being adapted for military applications? From drones to ground vehicles, these dual-use technologies offer cost-effective solutions and rapid deployment. Explore the opportunities and challenges in our latest article. 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/daiVZzMC #DualUse #Robotics #MilitaryInnovation #Technology

Milrem Robotics selects Texelis as a strategic supplier to develop advanced mobility subsystems for the next generation of robotic combat vehicles. Texelis' cutting-edge Tank Electrified Drivetrain will power Milrem’s modular 12+ ton RCVs, enhancing battlefield mobility, protection, and technological capabilities. This collaboration strengthens European defence innovation and promotes industrial cooperation. Together, these companies aim to deliver unprecedented operational effectiveness to armed forces worldwide. #DefenseInnovation #RoboticCombatVehicles #AutonomousSystems #BattlefieldMobility #EuropeanDefense #MilitaryTechnology #MilremRobotics #Texelis https://lnkd.in/eP53cMu8

#DisruptiveTech ARX Robotics, a pioneer in autonomous and modular robotic solutions, announced on June 10, 2024, the successful completion of a €9 million seed funding round. This milestone represents the largest seed funding round ever achieved by a European DefenceTech company. The funding round was led by the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), with contributions from Discovery Ventures and Project A Ventures. ARX Robotics specialises in the development of scalable robotic systems designed for mass deployment in both defence and commercial sectors. The company aims to address a critical shortage of mass autonomous unmanned systems within European and Western Allied armed forces. These systems are essential for future-proofing military capabilities in an era of rapidly evolving technology. At the core of ARX’s innovation is the GEREON unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) series. These modular vehicles can be adapted for various defense applications, such as live fire training, transport, medical evacuation, and specialized reconnaissance missions. This flexibility is achieved through a modular design that allows for quick adjustments with add-on and payload solutions. #defense #defence #autonomous #robotics #unmannedsystems Campaign Catapult, Pravo Consulting