EDA’s AIDED project showcases autonomous UGV and UAS collaboration
AIDED showcased advancements in AI algorithms, emphasising their potential use in mission planning and other areas. (Photo: EDA)
The European Defence Agency’s AIDED project concluded with a demonstration of AI-enabled coordination between aerial and ground uncrewed systems for the detection of explosives.
The AIDED project, funded with €1.55 million ($1.6 million) through the Preparatory Action on Defence Research (PADR), achieved a Technology Readiness Level of three-to-four during its final demonstration in Belgium last month.
The project, overseen by the European Defence Agency (EDA) and managed by a consortium led by Belgium’s Space Applications Services, featured an AI-powered ‘detect and avoid’ system to prevent collisions between UGVs and UAVs.
Using a combination of sensors, including the EM metal detector, Ground Penetrating Radar, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and specialised identification sensors, the autonomous systems demonstrated their capability to detect mock-ups of explosives and improvised explosive devices in both rural and urban settings.
Related Articles
DSEI: Milrem displays new versions of THeMIS and reveals plans for larger UGV
DSEI 2023: SpearUAV rolls out drone launcher system for submarines
Australia reverses decision on Schiebel Camcopters for naval UAVs
Neural networks were trained for each type of sensor signal processing and played a crucial role in enhancing the accuracy of the detection process.
The project showcased advancements in AI algorithms, emphasising their potential use in mission planning, self-navigation, teamwork and autonomous explosive device detection with minimal human intervention.
As the AIDED project concluded, the EDA announced the selection of its follow-up initiative, AIDEDex, from the European Defence Fund 2022 call.
This 48-month project aims to further refine uncrewed ground and aerial systems for hidden threat detection, signalling a continued commitment to advancing autonomous capabilities in defence technology across EU member states.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Billion-dollar Belgium deal for NASAMS creates multinational air defence system]()
Billion-dollar Belgium deal for NASAMS creates multinational air defence system
The National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) is in service on five continents with more than 120 platforms delivered. The system will now form part of Belgium’s Blue Dome air defence system alongside new orders for Skyranger air defence and Thales radar systems.
-
![Poland land systems focus: €31 billion spending drive boosts domestic production ambitions]()
Poland land systems focus: €31 billion spending drive boosts domestic production ambitions
Poland’s potential €53 billion land procurement pipeline could give it one of Europe’s largest armoured vehicle fleets, with local production, technology transfer and future exports central to the strategy.
-
![Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?]()
Can NATO’s CUAS marketplace turn urgent demand into deliveries?
Framework contracts and leasing options aim to shorten acquisition timelines, while manufacturing partnerships could help suppliers scale production to meet allied demand.
-
![NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement]()
NATO looks for answers to overcome standards hurdles and improve procurement
NATO is looking to artificial intelligence to provide integration between different C2 systems to create a common operational picture, potentially offering a faster route to interoperability than the slow-moving processes of NATO standards committees.
