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2023-10-01

IDV Robotics to Spearhead the Future of Defence Tech

IDV (Iveco Defence Vehicles) recently announced the rebranding of the UK-based specialist Robotics and Autonomous Systems entity, MIRA UGV, as IDV Robotics. The name change follows IDV’s acquisition of a majority stake in MIRA UGV, the Uncrewed Ground Vehicle (UGV) division of HORIBA MIRA, in January.

IDV officially launched IDV Robotics at the recently concluded DSEI in London, where it also exhibited VIKING, the multirole UGV platform. IDV Robotics, which is at the forefront of cutting-edge UGV and Robotic Autonomous Systems (RAS) solutions, highlighted that it is accelerating the development of new technologies, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and save lives across diverse terrains and missions.

The fusion of a state-of-the-art navigation and autonomy technology stack with a range of vehicle platforms underscores IDV Robotics’ commitment to delivering RAS solutions for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Armed Forces around the world. A focal point of the company’s endeavours lies in empowering critical missions such as Reconnaissance, Fire Support, Last Mile Resupply, Casualty Evacuation, and CBRN, establishing IDV Robotics as a leading supplier to the global defence industry.

Pioneering Innovation

With the launch of IDV Robotics on September 11, IDV’s dynamic partnership with HORIBA MIRA entered a new chapter. The collaboration harnesses two decades of HORIBA MIRA’s pioneering expertise in remote control, teleoperated, and autonomous vehicle technologies, synergising seamlessly with IDV’s expertise in defence and off-highway vehicle engineering.

The newly formed IDV Robotics company is spearheading innovative, sector-specific technologies from its UK base, catering to the demands of the UK MoD and its strategic allies. The technological highlights encompass an array of ground-breaking achievements, including:

VIKING: It is a versatile multirole platform capable of navigating and executing missions with a wide range of payloads. With its hybrid powertrain and independent suspension designed by automotive engineering specialists, VIKING boasts a class-leading power-to-weight ratio and chassis design, enabling it to carry heavier payloads at greater speeds over complex terrain. Its spacious, easy access and highly configurable payload area means VIKING can be repurposed swiftly. Some of its roles include last-mile resupply, casualty evacuation, surveillance, CBRN responses, and fire support.

MACE: The MACE autonomy kit is an open architecture hardware and software solution which can be integrated with in-service vehicles or proprietary platforms like VIKING. At the platform level, MACE provides remote control, tele-operation and autonomous control and includes key features such as “follow me” for people as well as vehicles. The autonomy package is also capable of operating in GNSS-denied environments using vision-based AI solutions for navigation, obstacle detection and avoidance, as well as terrain perception, in conjunction with novel location recognition technology.

As well as delivering robotics control, MACE facilitates the exchange of platform and situational awareness information seamlessly aligning with a client’s preferred Command and Control systems as required. The versatile Base Station software, hosted on devices like single-handed control systems, phones, tablets, and laptops, also delivers a tailored experience. At the system level, MACE provides Command and Control for multiple platforms, including UAVs. For instance, the AGILE system (Air and Ground Intelligent Logistics Environment) developed for last-mile resupply delivers a complete uncrewed solution from resupply request to delivery automatically without the requirement for human intervention in the decision-making process across multiple ground and air platforms.

Unparalleled Autonomy: The company’s solutions offer mastery in remote control, semi-autonomous, and autonomous operations across challenging terrains.

GNSS-Denied Navigation: The solutions provide unrivalled navigation capability even in GNSS-denied environments.

Advanced Terrain Recognition: The technologies are able to offer cutting-edge object and terrain identification, complemented by next-level off-road routing.

Unified Ground-Air Integration: The solutions give holistic control, uniting Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and UGVs for seamless ground-to-air RAS integration.

IDV Robotics is working towards delivering the latest RAS solutions tailored to meet the dynamic needs of military customers. The company is positioning itself as a specialist in the UK sector, enriching national and allied capabilities while retaining its headquarters at the MIRA Technology Park, serving as the focal point of R&D and production pursuits.

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