U.S. Marines Put Stingray Micro Unmanned Ground Vehicle to the Test

By Caroline Rees / 27 Sep 2013

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST
Stingray Micro UGV

An operator demonstrates a Stingray Micro Unmanned Ground Vehicle’s capabilities (Photo by Lance Cpl. Stephen D. Himes).

Marines with the Special Operations Training Group tested a prototype advanced robotics system known as the Stingray Micro Unmanned Ground Vehicle Sept. 18-19 at Camp Hansen and the Central Training Area.

The prototype is intended to assist teams during visit, board, search and seizure operations.

“The prototype system is designed to provide extra eyes on the ground for (Marines),” said Kurt Talke, a mechanical engineer with the Unmanned Systems Branch of the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific. “The prototype is meant to be dropped through a window or tossed through a door, after a breach, so the ground forces can see what is in the room before entering. This allows troops to enter situations knowing exactly what is going on, in real time, instead of entering blindly.”

This prototype can aid in missions which require ground forces to search an enemy vessel for armament or possible combatants.

These robot prototypes, which resemble small radio-controlled cars, were put to the test on both days.

“This is a great opportunity for my guys to see how robotics are advancing to help the warfighter,” said Col. Sean Wester, the Special Operations Training Group commanding officer with III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. “The benefit from testing this prototype (gives the Marine Corps) a chance to evaluate what type of possible future missions these robotics systems can be employed.”

Commanders throughout the Asia-Pacific can contact Kate M. Mangum, the III MEF science and technology advisor, when the need arises for systems like the Stingray. Mangum is the link that connects the operators with the right people and organizations who can develop new cutting-edge systems.

“I bring visibility and expertise on new technologies being developed by the Naval Research Enterprises,” said Mangum. “My goal is to get the developers in Washington, D.C., to understand the needs of III MEF and inform its leaders about potential solutions to their technological needs.”

The Stingray MUGV system comes with two vehicles and a user control unit. It weighs just over 12 pounds, and the vehicles are equipped with a controllable camera, infrared systems and a flashlight. The system’s design allows the vehicles to be tossed or dropped short distances, as well as perform limited actions in aquatic environments.

Author: Lance Cpl. Stephen D. Himes | U.S. Marine Corps Installations Pacific

Source: U.S. Marines

Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

SightLine Software & Hardware Advancements for Enhanced ISR Applications

SightLine Applications LLC introduces the 3.9.2 update, enhancing the 4100 video processor and unveiling the ultra-compact 1710 processor for advanced ISR applications

Jul 16, 2025
Silicon Sensing’s MEMS Technology Enhances Vehicle Localization for Autonomous Driving

The University of Toronto investigated approaches to determining spatial awareness in autonomous vehicles, with Silicon Sensing's DMU41 IMU succeeding in cost-effectiveness, reliability and accuracy

Jul 16, 2025
CHC Navigation Launches AU20 MMS for Precision LiDAR Mapping of Infrastructure

CHC Navigation (CHCNAV) has unveiled the AU20 MMS, a vehicle-mounted mobile mapping system designed for accurate and efficient collection of 3D spatial data

Jul 16, 2025
ZIYAN to Highlight UAV Coordination & Unmanned Helicopter Solutions at IDEF 2025

ZIYAN Tech will unveil its latest combat UAV technologies at IDEF 2025, highlighting advanced swarm coordination, ISR systems, and unmanned helicopter capabilities

Jul 16, 2025
Boosting First Responder Drones with Advanced BVLOS Technology

DroneSense and MatrixSpace partner to enhance BVLOS capabilities, accelerating the safe, scalable use of drones in public safety and Drone as First Responder missions

Jul 16, 2025
TEKEVER Advancing Defense & Civil Security Drones with Cahors Centre of Excellence

Tekever will establish a new dual-use Centre of Excellence in Cahors, France to develop, test, integrate and industrialize autonomous defense and security technologies

Jul 16, 2025

Featured Content

SBG Systems Evaluates INS Performance in GNSS-Denied Marine Applications

SBG Systems evaluates the performance of its INS solutions in GNSS-denied marine environments, comparing system accuracy with and without DVL and warm-up support

Jul 14, 2025
USAF Uses Inertial Labs Drone Lidar for Tree Obstruction Survey

The US Air Force successfully used Inertial Labs drone Lidar and cloud software to quickly map tree obstructions at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), improving airfield safety

Jul 11, 2025
New UAV to Combine Solar Hydrogen & Battery Power for Extended Flight

XSun and H3 Dynamics are developing the first UAV powered by solar, hydrogen, and batteries, aiming to deliver zero-emission, long-endurance unmanned flight

Jul 07, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.