Unmanned combat vehicle contract

Credit: Cyborg Dynamics Engineering

By: Charbel Kadib

A Brisbane-based robotics and AI company have secured funds to develop a next-generation unmanned combat capability.

The Commonwealth government has awarded a $3.3 million contract to technology company Cyborg Dynamics Engineering to fund the development of its semi-autonomous unmanned ground vehicle (UGV).

The firm is also set to explore on-board AI target recognition and advanced driving technologies, which could support a single person operation.

This is tipped to improve in-field soldier capabilities and lethality and reduce operator risk by supporting a robotic-assisted force.

“The government’s investment in innovation through the Defence Innovation Hub is critical to ensuring Defence maintains a capability advantage as Australia’s strategic environment continues to rapidly evolve,” Minister Price said.

This latest Defence Innovation Hub contract comes just a week after Victorian company QinetiQ secured a $5.4 million contract to deliver a deployable micro-grid designed to address an increase in demand for power in the changing battlespace.

The firm is expected to work alongside the University of Melbourne, leveraging advanced energy management algorithms.