As part of its ongoing program in maritime autonomous systems (MAS), Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group (DST) has acquired a BlueComm undersea communications system from Sonardyne International Ltd.
According to Sonardyne, BlueComm is the only commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology that enables wireless transmission of high bandwidth tactical data—including video—over ranges of a few tens or even hundreds of meters, at rates of up to 10 megabits per second.
Technology
Technology
Chinese construction machinery manufacturer XCMG unveils autonomous Road Roller
Following successful tests conducted at the end of May, Chinese construction machinery manufacturer XCMG has unveiled its autonomous Road Roller, which it developed in collaboration with the Sichuan Railway Investment Group and Tsinghua University.
The autonomous Road Roller made its debut along the Panda Expressway, which is currently under construction between Panzhihua, Sichuan Province and Dali, Yunnan Province.
“Over 81% of Panda Expressway consists of bridges and tunnels, making it one of China's key smart transportation infrastructure projects,” says Cui Jisheng, general manager of XCMG Road Machinery.
WHILL's Autonomous Drive System to be used at Haneda International Airport to prevent spread of COVID-19
WHILL has announced that its WHILL Autonomous Drive System will be used at Haneda International Airport in
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.
Elbit Systems UK uses Seagull USV during Anti-Submarine Warfare trials with UK MoD
Elbit Systems UK has announced that it completed a series of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) trials with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Delivered via Defence Science and Technology Laboratory's (DSTL) Progeny Framework, the trials explored how future ASW operations could be supported by autonomous systems.
“Elbit Systems has world leading technology to offer to the maritime and littoral environment,” says Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK.
BAE Systems to provide autonomy and artificial intelligence capabilities for DARPA's Squad X program
Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for DARPA’s Squad X program, has awarded BAE Systems a $3.5 million contract to provide key autonomy and artificial intelligence capabilities that would not only advance the effectiveness of tactical robotic air and ground vehicles, but also create true partnerships between ground warfighters – Soldiers and Marines – and machines at the small-unit level.
Drone Delivery Canada launching UAS delivery service for Ontario's Beausoleil First Nation Community
With the assistance of Air Canada and the Pontiac Group, Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) has entered into a commercial agreement with The David McAntony Gibson Foundation (operating as GlobalMedic) to use its drone delivery technology to provide service to the Beausoleil First Nation Community (BFN) in Ontario.
A variety of donors provided funding for the project, including the OEC Group (Canada), which is a global logistics provider that services clients in all major industries including aerospace, healthcare, global retail, automotive and manufacturing.
“DDC and OEC have been looking for an opportunity to partner. When the chance popped up to help the Beausoleil First Nation community, it was an easy decision to make,” says Landon Bibeau, CMO of the OEC Group.
SeeByte to provide a variety of services for MK18 UUV Family of Systems
The US Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Indian Head EOD Technology Division has awarded SeeByte the first delivery order in the second option year of a five-year contract, which will result in SeeByte providing engineering, technical support, and training services for the MK18 UUV Family of Systems (FoS).
“We are delighted to continue our support in response to MK18 training needs. We will provide a tailored training solution which will encompass the mission planning, mission monitoring and post-mission analysis features of our multi-vehicle co-operative autonomy product, Neptune,” says Rob Carsley, operations manager at SeeByte.
QinetiQ Australia to design and construct UAS flight test range in Queensland, Australia
QinetiQ Australia has been awarded a contract to design and construct a UAS flight test range (FTR) at Cloncurry Aerodrome in North West Queensland on behalf of the Queensland Government.
The FTR will include access to a commercial quality runway, dedicated hangar and workshop, a range control center, and a range control system that includes a primary surveillance radar and other surveillance and tracking equipment. The FTR will also have dedicated airspace and regulatory approvals for UAS FTR operations.
Attollo Engineering introduces Phoenix shortwave infrared camera
Global engineering expert and infrared imaging technologies supplier Attollo Engineering has introduced the Phoenix, which is a 640 x 512 shortwave infrared (SWIR) camera with the industry’s smallest VGA sensor and an extremely small 5 µm pixel pitch.
Described as “revolutionary,” the cost-efficient and miniature sensor is ideally suited for broadband imaging, as well as daylight and nighttime laser see-spot and range-gated imaging.
