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.
Software
Software
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.
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.
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.
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.
Collins Aerospace, L3Harris Technologies, Thales USA to help enable BVLOS UAS ops in North Dakota
Collins Aerospace, L3Harris Technologies, and Thales USA have all been selected to provide systems engineering and integration services to build, implement, and operate North Dakota’s first-of-its-kind, aviation-grade, statewide network for flying UAS beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).
The companies have been contracted to work with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) to enable real-world, scalable, commercial and public BVLOS UAS operations in North Dakota.
Autonodyne, Robotic Skies partner to provide support services for UAS
UAS and software design and certification expert Autonodyne LLC has partnered with Robotic Skies to develop field maintenance and other support services for Autonodyne’s mission-critical systems and technologies.
Weekend Roundup: May 29, 2020
This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World
In an effort to help families in need, Optimus Ride will use its self-driving shuttles to deliver meals to a waterfront development in Washington, D.C. called the Yards. Optimus Ride’s fleet will distribute the meal kits to the families on a weekly basis, serving a total of 5,000 meals. (VentureBeat)
CU Boulder engineer designing artificial limbs that restore sense of touch for amputees
University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) biomedical engineer Jacob Segil is working to restore the sense of touch for amputees, including veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
An instructor in the Engineering Plus Program and program director for the Center for Translational Research at CU Boulder, Segil is designing artificial limbs that may one day allow amputees to feel the world around them through electronic sensors.
“In my field, we have a gold standard, which is the physiological hand,” Segil says. “We’re trying to recreate it, and we’re still so far off.”
