Milrem demonstrates autonomous capabilities
Milrem’s THeMIS UGV. (Photo: Milrem.)
Milrem Robotics, maker of the THeMIS UGV, showcased autonomous off-road capabilities during the first demonstration of the European standard UGV project, known as iMUGS.
During recent autonomy demonstrations, a THeMIS UGV from Milrem Robotics followed a human operator walking a path featuring obstacles.
In another, an operator-controlled one UGV and set a second vehicle to follow it between two waypoints. The second THeMIS was then commanded to turn back using Milrem’s Intelligent Functions Integration Kit’s (MIFIK) Mission Planner.
En route, an operator stepped into the path of the UGV, triggering is obstacle detection sensors, bringing the vehicle to a stop. After the obstruction was cleared, the UGV continued on its way.
Milrem Robotics defence R&D director Jüri Pajuste said: ‘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.
‘Unmanned ground systems with follow-me, return home, and point-to-point navigation functionalities considerably enhance the fighting capability of units,’
Milrem CEO Kuldar Väärsi said MIFIK would be delivered to ‘several’ THeMIS operators this year. From 2022, certified autonomous functions would form part of the basic THeMIS configuration.
During the broader iMUGS demonstration, project partners showcased THeMIS deploying alongside the KMW Boxer APC and a tethered UAS.
Seven EU member states, Estonia, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, and Spain, set the requirements for iMUGS.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement]()
Hanwha debuts with US Army deal worth up to $3.6 billion as it eyes future M109 replacement
The Mobile Tactical Cannon is to replace the US Army’s M777 towed howitzers which could result in the procurement of almost 500 systems at an estimated $3.59 billion.
-
![US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production]()
US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production
The US Department of Defense (DoD) is spending billions of dollars to accelerate missile production to meet demands from the war against Iran and requirements in Ukraine. Manufacture of SM-3 and PAC-3 interceptors is being ramped up, alongside a $22.9 billion commitment to Tomahawk cruise missiles.
-
![Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase]()
Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase
Rheinmetall has begun initial firing trials of a new 155mm/60-calibre artillery ordnance that could deliver up to 30% greater range than its existing 155mm/52-calibre system, as production of the current gun expands across Germany and the UK.
-
![Boxer lands another order as contracts and opportunities build momentum]()
Boxer lands another order as contracts and opportunities build momentum
As Germany prepares its €25 billion order under the Arminius framework – the biggest Boxer procurement to date – the platform could become an increasingly powerful contender in European competitions.
-
![British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward]()
British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward
The UK Ministry of Defence has proposed a selection date of May 2027 for the Land Rover replacement requirement, with deliveries expected through to 2036. Next month’s DVD exhibition will be a key shop window for bidders.
