To date, a large number of various robotic systems have been created in our country, which are used by the armed forces and security forces to solve various problems. Scientists and designers of such equipment do not stop there and continue to work in a promising direction. A few days ago, information emerged about some of the current plans of the United Instrument Corporation, which is responsible for the creation of new robotic systems.
On November 30, Rostec Corporation published data on new work in the field of robotics, and also cited some statements by Alexander Kalinin, Director of the Department of Innovative Development of the United Instrument-Making Corporation. It is reported that at present, defense industry specialists are working on the creation of new technologies, which in the future will become the basis for promising projects of robotic systems. It is planned to develop a number of new systems that will significantly increase the efficiency of robots, as well as expand their capabilities for solving certain problems.
It is argued that thanks to new technologies, promising robots will have almost human abilities. They will be able to independently navigate the terrain, build a route, observe and detect targets, and also solve some other tasks. All this will increase their real effectiveness on the battlefield, as well as reduce the likelihood of detection by dramatically reducing the amount of any radiation that can unmask equipment.
Promising robotic systems will belong to the so-called. third generation. According to A. Kalinin, the fundamental difference between the third generation robots from older systems is the ability to independently perform assigned tasks without human intervention. Currently, several domestic enterprises that are part of the defense industry complex or associated with it are engaged in this area. There are already some advances in research on artificial intelligence, machine learning, technical "vision" and intelligent automated control systems.
Russian specialists have already been able to "teach" experimental robotics how to interact with each other, including in the framework of the joint solution of certain problems. Similar technologies are being tested on various non-military platforms such as drones and quadcopters. According to A. Kalinin, in the future, similar technologies can be used to control other vehicles or combat vehicles. Such control systems can be installed both on a passenger car and on a tank.
Now the available technologies allow robotic systems to work without the participation of an operator and in an automated mode to solve a certain range of problems. So, receiving video surveillance data from the air, the land robot can independently build its route, taking into account the situation. It becomes possible to independently identify obstacles and detect ambushes. In addition, such complexes do not depend on satellite navigation systems: if the satellite signal is lost, the robot will use its own sensor systems. Technologies are also being developed that will allow technology to build a three-dimensional map of the area.
A. Kalinin notes that robotic systems based on similar technologies will be able to be used in a variety of fields in the future. Robots will be able to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance, as well as patrol open and closed areas. It will be possible to collect various information, including the creation of maps of the area. The solution of transport problems is not excluded. If necessary, advanced technology will be able to obtain the necessary weapons or special military equipment. For example, a robotic platform can carry electronic warfare or other similar equipment.
An important feature of the third generation robotic systems will be the reduction of their own radiation. Due to independent work without constant communication with the operator via the radio channel, it will be possible to significantly reduce the radiation level of the robot. In this way, it is planned to reduce the likelihood of its detection by means of electronic intelligence. As a result, the robot will be less visible on the battlefield, which will also affect its combat survivability.
Not so long ago, the United Instrument-Making Corporation completed work on the Unicum project, which is the first significant step in a promising direction. In mid-October, the OPK announced that the Unicum system had successfully passed the tests, was declared ready and accepted by the customer. The automated control system "Unicum", it is said, will significantly improve the characteristics of robotic systems by reducing the role of the operator in performing certain tasks.
According to available data, the "Unicum" system is capable of controlling 10 robotic complexes simultaneously in an automated mode. The control system is responsible for the well-coordinated work of robots on the battlefield and independently solves some issues. So, she is able to distribute roles within the group, as well as manage it, taking into account the specifics of the situation. Also, the automation is able to independently send robots to the most advantageous positions and search for a target. In this case, the operator is responsible for attacking the detected targets, on the console of which all the necessary information is displayed.
The "Unicum" system can be applied in a variety of areas. Its capabilities are of great interest to the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and other potential customers. It can be used both for performing combat missions and for maintaining law and order or for other non-military purposes. For example, it is possible to use the "Unicum" during mass events or during search and rescue operations.
In the spring of this year, it was announced that the development of the tracked robotic platform URP-01G, which can become the basis for specialized equipment for various purposes, was announced. On this machine, it will be possible to mount various combat modules with the necessary weapons, as well as other special equipment. According to the developer's plans, the URP-01G platform will be able to carry up to two tons of payload. In the future, it is planned to equip this complex with automated control facilities based on the latest technologies. This will reduce the role of the operator when performing some tasks, and in some cases even exclude his participation.
In recent years, Russian specialists have created a fairly large number of robotic systems for various purposes. Some equipment of this class has already reached mass production and is used in the troops or security forces. Having completed some projects, the United Instrument-Making Corporation begins others. As follows from the latest reports, the most relevant at the present time is the topic of autonomous robotic systems capable of performing all tasks without human intervention. Some research in this area has already been carried out, and the first practical results in the form of ready-made systems should appear in the next few years.
