Belgian researchers examine potential of swarming UGVs
The Robotics & Autonomous Systems (RAS) unit of the Royal Military School (ERM) in Belgium is leading the Swarming sub-project within the framework of the integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) consortium programme.
The aim, the ERM explained in a 6 July announcement, is to provide ‘advances in swarming technologies in order to extend the capacities of a single robot where heterogeneous resources will have the capacity to work in groups with a common mission objective’.
In addition, the ERM will organise a demonstration in a coastal environment to demonstrate the ISR capabilities of the iMUGS system by swarming BLoS.
‘We are convinced that robotics and autonomous systems are an emerging field that can provide solutions for long-term defense objectives in order to tackle very complex challenges effectively, while helping to reduce the cognitive load of our troops and their commanders in critical environments,’ explained Haris Balta, head of the iMUGS project at the ERM.
Milrem Robotics of Estonia leads the 14-member iMUGS consortium, which is supported by €30.6 million ($34.48 million) from the European Defence Industrial Development Programme.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
