More Russian UAS go astray while attacking Ukraine
This time, the UAS flew into NATO airspace, though there is no evidence that they did so deliberately.
University of Coimbra focuses on landmine clearance
The University of Coimbra’s Institute of Systems and Robotics is working on developing an unmanned solution for humanitarian demining efforts based on the Clearpath Robotics Husky UGV. Field tests of the system began in 2013 and will continue during 2014.
The team is working to develop a system that is capable of perceiving terrain characteristics, navigating across the terrain, and detecting and localising landmines.
Lino Marques, Senior Lecturer at the University of Coimbra, and academic liaison for the project, said: ‘Minesweeping is an extremely dangerous and time-intensive process. Robots do not get tired; they can be extremely thorough performing their jobs, and their cost is infinitely smaller than that of a human life. For these reasons, robots are a perfect solution for the minesweeping problem.’
The Husky UGV, supplied by Clearpath Robotics as part of the 2012 Partnerbot Grant Program, has been outfitted with navigation and localisation sensors, ground penetration radar, and a custom robotic arm with an attached metal detector. The entirety of the robot is designed with open source software using the Robot Operating System (ROS).
Matt Rendall, CEO, Clearpath Robotics, said: ‘We are very proud to be supporters of Dr. Marques’ humanitarian research into demining robotics. Clearpath Robotics was originally founded with a focus to clear landmines using a swarm of small mobile robots – that’s how we got our name – so it’s very exciting for us to work with the University of Coimbra to advance this incredibly noble research.’
You may also like
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![More Russian UAS go astray while attacking Ukraine]()
-
![UAVs in multiple classes proliferate in South Korea]()
UAVs in multiple classes proliferate in South Korea
South Korea is rapidly advancing its UAV programmes and counter-drone capabilities in response to increasing threats from North Korea’s unmanned aerial systems.
-
![British Army looks to ‘kamikaze drones’ for future operations]()
British Army looks to ‘kamikaze drones’ for future operations
Inspired by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the British Army has one eye on the future as it develops its ability to operate FPV UAS.
-
![Belarus fighter jet shoots down Russian drone]()
Belarus fighter jet shoots down Russian drone
The confrontation followed a history of untroubled fly-throughs by similar drones en route to Ukraine.
-
![Exail Robotics secures €60 million NATO contract for underwater mine disposal vehicles]()
Exail Robotics secures €60 million NATO contract for underwater mine disposal vehicles
The contract covers disposal and training vehicles for the Belgian and Dutch navies.
-
![Thunderstrike establishes major drone facility at Danish airport]()
Thunderstrike establishes major drone facility at Danish airport
The hangar will be used to eventually produce 200-300 drones per year.
