Milrem Robotics has exhibited their Intelligent Functions off-road capabilities at the first demonstration of the iMUGS project (integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System), to develop the European standard unmanned ground vehicle.
The autonomy demonstration was performed using two THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). To begin with, one THeMIS UGV followed a human operator walking along a path with various obstacles. Then, the operator took control of the first UGV using Line of Sight (LoS) control and set the second THeMIS to follow the first one from waypoint A to B.
After a successful performance, the second THeMIS was commanded to return home via Milrem’s Intelligent Functions Integration Kit’s (MIFIK) Mission Planner.
During the demonstration, the operator stepped in front of the UGV to trigger its obstacle detection and auto-stop feature. After the operator had passed through the UGVs path, the vehicle continued to move to its home point as previously directed.
“Intelligent functions are a crucial part of unmanned systems as they allow soldiers to concentrate on their mission rather than focusing on operating the system,” said (reserve Captain) Jüri Pajuste, Defence R&D Director at Milrem Robotics. “Unmanned ground systems with follow-me, return home, and point-to-point navigation functionalities considerably enhance the fighting capability of units.”
“MIFIK will be delivered to several THeMIS users around the world already this year,” Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics added. “Starting from 2022, certified autonomous and intelligent functions will be part of THeMIS’ basic configuration. THeMIS and MIFIK users will receive annual updates with new capabilities and enhancements.”
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