Boeing teams with Bolduc to build UGV conversion kits
The Boeing Company has teamed with Bolduc Technology Group, LLC to design, develop, integrate, test, manufacture and sustain agnostic autonomous-navigation kits for ground vehicles. The kits would enable human-driven vehicles to be converted into autonomous or remotely operated vehicles for commercial or military use.
Boeing, the prime contractor, will offer its experience in ground robotics, autonomy and combat systems to domestic and international customers with existing and emerging mission needs for unmanned ground vehicle technology.
Bolduc will provide its proven highway safety-tested Advanced Electronic Vehicle Interface Technology (AEVIT) “drive-by-wire” remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) system. AEVIT RPV is based on the AEVIT platform, which has been in production for more than 20 years. The system replicates a vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems through the use of intelligent drive modules that command electromechanical servos and electrical switches to control driving functions. The AEVIT RPV technology eliminates the need for a human driver.
“Boeing looks forward to extending our existing relationship with Bolduc into a broader strategic teaming agreement,” said Bob DaLee, Robotics program manager for Boeing’s Huntsville-based Network and Tactical Systems (N&TS) division. “Our ground vehicle autonomy kit technology enables dull, dirty and dangerous missions such as convoys, route clearance, reconnaissance and perimeter control to be performed with either remotely operated or supervised autonomous control.”
“Teaming with Bolduc gives Boeing an opportunity to offer potential customers the tools to handle a variety of dangerous situations without putting their people at risk,” said Bill Boggs, director, N&TS Global Forces and Robotics. “Together, we can offer the latest technology, coupled with proven experience from both companies.”
“Integrating the commercially available AEVIT RPV platform with Boeing’s command and control capabilities to support unmanned ground control operations is a natural fit for our product and will potentially save lives when used in hostile environments,” said Scott Bolduc, president and CEO of Bolduc Technology Group. “Teaming with Boeing will position both companies to be at the forefront of delivering a highly effective solution to the marketplace.”
Source: Boeing
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
US Navy foresees an uncrewed future for its surface and underwater fleet
The service has been conducting various procurement and development efforts to integrate unmanned surface and underwater vehicles into its inventory.
-
Tekever unveils new swarm-controlling UAS
Tekever has manufactured the AR3, AR4 and AR5 UAS with all systems sharing common electronics and software architecture, which has enabled the reuse of ground segment elements within the new ARX UAS.
-
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.