Nowadays there is a great variety of autonomous system types. Technological advances in the field of unmanned vehicles are not limited only to UAVs, more commonly known as drones, but they are also increasing in the field of Unmanned Ground Vehicles or UGV, as well as surface (aquatic) ones, also known as USV. Sector is observing that, technologically, this type of autonomous systems is progressing faster than it was expected a few years ago.
We may find that UGV systems are used in applications in the fields of civil and military industry. It can be used by emergency services such as fire brigades, ambulances, police, etc… Providing a great support for a wide variety of tasks, including: assistance to disabled people, fumigation, harvesting, transporting, patrol monitoring and detection, investigation, exploration and inspection at tunnels, buildings, etc…
In the military sector UGV systems are mainly used for military functions ranging from area recognition to supplies and equipment provisioning for military forces in conflict zones. More specifically, some of the tasks in which these autonomous systems are used are: to determine dangerous areas for soldiers, provide surveillance information, carry supplies, set targets, explosive activation, etc…
Characteristics of UGV systems
UGV systems are flexible robotic platforms developed to provide powerful multipurpose mobility support. Depending on their size and purpose, they can be extremely portables and they can even be able to avoid obstacles autonomously. In order to increase their capabilities with latest technological advances, incremental improvements have been made in hardware, software, payloads, structure…
As other autonomous systems, UGV systems include in their structure switches, encoders, laser sensors (LIDAR), cameras, GPS, etc… having high movement capabilities due they can incorporate caterpillar running gears, and they can be endowed with a great autonomy using hybrid engine systems.
In conclusion, UGV systems are very versatile platforms that permit operations in conditions where there are certain human risks, as in missions with biological, radiological and chemical emergencies or with risks of explosions, etc… We cannot forget that Veronte Autopilot installed in Unmanned Ground Vehicles, improves their automation and safety in any application.