RUAG Defence is pioneering the development of UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles) for use by military forces. The company’s retrofitable VERO kit contains all the electronic components and sophisticated sensory equipment needed to convert any existing vehicle to perform with supervised autonomy - reducing the risks to soldiers and expanding the operational capabilities of forces. Building on this technology the firm plans to develop its own range of UGVs.

UGVs are set to play an ever increasing role as part of forces deployed into a combat theatre, with studies suggesting investment will break the one billion US$ mark by 2021. Their benefits have long been identified when it comes to reducing the risks soldiers are exposed to, the ease at which they are trained and replaced plus their ability to perform perpetually under conditions unbearable for humans. Yet despite these clear advantages, defence companies have been slow to invest in UGVs and work with serving forces to design a product of real value.

As innovators in defence technology the Switzerland based RUAG has been championing the development of UGVs. Through its close ties to serving military forces RUAG has developed a range of components required for UGVs. These components cover; vehicle electronics, hard and software, mission planning tools and command and control solutions. The components are supplied in kit form to be fully integrated inside pre-existing vehicles, allowing them to meet the UGV needs of current and future military forces. This integration, unlike those by some other companies, is a true integration on the electrical level so doesn’t impede the space available for passengers. This type of integration allows a single vehicle to perform both manned and unmanned missions.

Vehicles fitted with the VERO kit operate with supervised autonomy, the highest level of autonomy currently available on the market and that most desired by forces. This autonomy state keeps a human “in the loop” always knowing what the vehicle is doing and able to intervene if necessary. This operator is constantly fed with information and can sit either within sight of the vehicle or kilometres away.

Cameras and sensors, used in conjunction with RUAG software, allow the vehicle to learn a route to drive or alternatively it can be programmed using a simple interface. The vehicle will then drive the route at the request of its operator, constantly scanning the area around it and relaying that information to a central control station and the operator. Alternatively the vehicle can be operated simply using remote control. The dual operation modes have been developed to provide maximum flexibility during deployment. RUAG’s VERO kit puts forces clearly on the road to a new and safer tomorrow.