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.