Embedded In-Vehicle Computers for UGV Applications

NEXCOM has released details of two use cases featuring the integration of its embedded in-vehicle computers into UGV (unmanned ground vehicle) platforms.

Based on a range of powerful processors and advanced electronic design, the company’s computing solutions offer a variety of advantages for unmanned systems applications, including rich I/O sets, wireless communications capabilities, advanced power management, and ignition control.

The VTC 7251-7C4 vehicle telematics computer was used to create a marksmanship training system for Austrian law enforcement personnel. A human-sized dummy was attached to a high-mobility UGV, which was programmed with a variety of movement patterns in order to provide a dynamic and realistic training tool that more accurately mimics real-world encounters. Cameras were also mounted to the system to record trainees’ actions for further performance review and feedback.

The Intel Atom x7-based VTC 7251-7C4 was chosen for this design due to its wide selection of I/O capabilities. The versatile computer handled inputs from the UGV’s LiDAR sensors, as well as the cameras used to record training activities. Telematics data from the robotic vehicle was collected via CANBus, and serial COM ports were used to control additional onboard hardware and subsystems. Using one device to co-ordinate this entire set of I/O requirements allowed the developers to simplify the UGV’s design as well as to reduce costs. The VTC 7251-7C4 is also designed to IP65 ingress protection and MIL-STD-810G shock and vibration standards, allowing it to withstand the challenging conditions of dynamic outdoor training and ballistic impact.

The rugged MVS 2620-IP in-vehicle computer was incorporated into a larger multi-purpose UGV designed for use by the Estonian armed forces and first responder agencies, primarily for firefighting and rescue transport. The system needed to autonomously carry both supplies and personnel, while navigating through a range of hazardous and challenging environments and withstanding the effects of these extremely harsh conditions.

This design required the integration of a high-speed dual CAN connection in order to seamlessly control and manage data to and from the UGV’s sensors and subsystems. This was easily achieved by attaching a PeakCAN module via the computer’s mini-PCIe slot, which offered data rates of up to 1 Mbit/sec. In addition to its flexible I/O capabilities, the MVS 2620-IP also excelled in this application thanks to its IP65 and MIL-STD-810G ratings.