The United States Armed Forces are a primary adopter of unmanned, or uncrewed, systems, and as a result AUVSI is actively engaged in supporting the development and deployment of autonomous technology among all military branches. Every facet of uncrewed systems – in the air, ground, and maritime domains – are used in our military, and the U.S. Department of the Navy in particular has strategically engaged with our industry.
Defense
Defense
AUVSI Applauds U.S. Navy’s Unmanned Campaign Framework
Media Contact: Jackie Beckwith, jbeckwith@auvsi.org
For Immediate Release: March 16, 2021
Arlington, Va. - Today, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) responded to the release of the U.S. Department of the Navy’s Unmanned Campaign Framework. The plan will guide the Navy’s execution toward its goal of increasing unmanned platforms in its fleet through the coming decade and its work with the unmanned vehicle systems industry.
Early performance of hydrogen fuel cell prototype has NWUAV looking forward to new wave in drone propulsion
Northwest UAV leaders are excited about early test results for a hydrogen fuel cell prototype that have exceeded expectations and that they hope will herald a trend toward hydrogen-powered propulsion in unmanned flight.
NWUAV, in collaboration with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), is developing the proton-exchange-membrane fuel cell with an eye toward what Chief Technical Officer Jeff Ratcliffe called a growing “middle market” between long-range military drone missions that require internal combustion engines and less demanding military and commercial drone use that tends to rely on battery power.
Dep. Sec. Def. Hicks Highlights Importance of Autonomous Systems
Newly minted Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks has a bold vision for our nation’s military forces, and AUVSI has found many aspects of this new stance to celebrate.
A career civil servant with significant defense policy experience, she is our nation’s first female Deputy Secretary of Defense. Most important among her stated priorities include modernizing the country’s military forces, with an emphasis on autonomous systems and artificial intelligence.
Tomahawk Robotics joins Persistent Systems' Wave Relay Ecosystem
Persistent Systems has announced that Tomahawk Robotics has joined the Wave Relay Ecosystem, which is a growing industry alliance of unmanned system and sensor companies that use Persistent’s Wave Relay mobile ad hoc network (MANET) as their preferred network.
As part of this agreement, Tomahawk Robotics will make Kinesis, the company's Android-based common control system for leading UGVs and UAS, available for Persistent's MPU5 Android-based MANET radio and Rugged Display and Controller (RDC).
Elbit Systems to supply Seagull USVs to the Navy of a country in Asia-Pacific
Elbit Systems has been awarded a contract to supply Seagull USVs to the Navy of a country in Asia-Pacific.
Under the contract, which will be performed over a 17-month period, Elbit Systems will provide Seagull USV systems that are specifically configured to perform Mine Counter Measures (MCM) missions while facilitating the option to add technology modules needed for Anti-Submarine Warfare.
The Seagull USVs will be equipped with Side-Scan and Forward-Looking sonars, Mine Identification and Destruction Remotely Operated Vehicles. They will also be equipped with Elbit Systems’ autonomous suite, Combat Management System and Satellite Communication capability.
Robotic Research joins Persistent Systems' Wave Relay Ecosystem
Persistent Systems has announced that Robotic Research has joined its Wave Relay Ecosystem, which is an alliance of sensor and unmanned system companies that all use Persistent’s Wave Relay mobile ad hoc network (MANET).
“The aim of the Wave Relay Ecosystem is to deliver the warfighter a truly unified battlefield network where all of the sensors and unmanned systems are united to deliver the warfighter real-time situational awareness,” explains Jeffrey Washington, director of Business Development at Persistent Systems.
AeroVironment acquires German ground robotic solutions developer Telerob
AeroVironment has acquired German ground robotic solutions developer Telerob Gesellschaft für Fernhantierungstechnik mbH.
Founded in 1994, Telerob, which is based near Stuttgart, Germany, offers advanced and comprehensive turn-key unmanned ground robotics solutions, including the telemax and tEODor EVO family of UGVs, fully-equipped transport vehicles and training, repair and support services. Some of the dangerous missions that Telerob’s solutions safely and effectively perform include explosive ordinance disposal (EOD), hazardous materials handling (HAZMAT) and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threat assessment.
FLIR Systems acquires small UAS manufacturer Altavian
FLIR Systems has acquired Altavian Inc., a Gainesville, Florida-based privately-held manufacturer of small UAS (sUAS) for defense and public safety customers.
Altavian UAS users are provided with decision support and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability, thanks to Altavian's airframes integrating multiple sensors, including FLIR thermal technology.
Founded in 2011, Altavian designs and manufacturers Group 1 UAS platforms for long or short range operations. Altavian designs both quadcopter and fixed-wing UAS, so its expertise includes aeronautics, avionics, and software. The company’s solutions are engineered around an open system architecture aligned to the needs of government and defense customers.
Weekend Roundup: November 20, 2020
This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World
Students and faculty at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia are working on an autonomous vehicle that can transport the elderly. The JMU Autonomous Cart (JACart) research group tested its second autonomous (AV) golf cart on the university’s campus in a fixed course on Wednesday, Nov. 18. (WHSV-TV)
