Combat multifunctional robotic complex "Uran-9"
A look at technology, developments, current state of affairs and prospects of land mobile robotic systems (SMRK)
Developing new operational doctrines, especially for urban warfare and asymmetric conflicts, will require new systems and technology to reduce casualties among the military and civilians. This can be realized through developments in the field of SMRK, the use of advanced technologies for observation and information collection, as well as reconnaissance and target detection, protection and high-precision strike. SMRK, like their flying counterparts, due to the widespread use of ultra-modern robotic technologies, do not have a human operator on board.
These systems are also indispensable for operating in a contaminated environment or for performing other "dumb, dirty and dangerous" tasks. The need for the development of advanced SMRK is associated with the need to use unmanned systems for direct support on the battlefield. According to some military experts, uninhabited vehicles, the level of autonomy of which will be gradually increased, will become one of the most important tactical elements in the structure of modern ground forces.
A robotic complex based on the TERRAMAX M-ATV armored car leads a column of unmanned vehicles
Operational needs and development of SMRK
In late 2003, US Central Command issued urgent, urgent requests for systems to counter the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The Joint Ground Robotics Enterprise (JGRE) has come up with a plan that could quickly provide significant increases in capabilities through the use of small robotic machines. Over time, these technologies have evolved, more systems have been deployed, and users have received advanced prototypes for evaluation. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of military personnel and units involved in the field of internal security, who have learned to operate advanced robotic systems.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is currently researching robotic technology in machine learning based on its developments in artificial intelligence and image recognition. All these technologies, developed under the UPI (Unmanned Perception Integration) program, are able to provide a better understanding of the environment / terrain for a vehicle with good mobility. The result of this research was a machine called the CRUSHER, which began operational evaluation back in 2009; since that time, several more prototypes have been made.
The MPRS (Man-Portable Robotic System) program is currently focusing on the development of autonomous navigation and collision avoidance systems for small robots. It also identifies, studies and optimizes technologies developed to increase the level of autonomy and functionality of robotic systems. The RACS (Robotic for Agile Combat Support) program develops various robotic technologies to meet current threats and operational requirements, as well as future needs and capabilities. The RACS program also develops and integrates automation technologies for various combat missions and various platforms, based on the concept of a common architecture and such fundamental characteristics as mobility, speed, control and interaction of several machines.
The participation of robots in modern combat operations allows the armed forces to gain invaluable experience in their operation. Several interesting areas have emerged regarding the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and SMRKs in one operational theater, and military planners intend to carefully study them, including the general management of several platforms, the development of interchangeable onboard systems that can be installed both on UAVs and on SMRK with the aim of expanding global capabilities, as well as new technologies for promising combat uninhabited systems.
According to the experimental program ARCD (Active Range Clearance Developments), the so-called scenario of "ensuring the security of the zone by automatic means" will be developed, in which several SMRK will work together with several UAVs. In addition, an assessment of technological solutions regarding the use of radar stations on unmanned platforms, an assessment of the integration of control and monitoring systems and the overall efficiency of the systems will be carried out. As part of the ARCD program, the US Air Force plans to develop technologies necessary to increase the effectiveness of joint actions of SMRK and UAVs (both aircraft and helicopter schemes), as well as algorithms for the "seamless" operation of sensors of all involved platforms, the exchange of navigation data and data on certain obstacles.
Internal layout of mechanical, electrical and electronic components SMRK SPINNER
The American Army Research Laboratory ARL (Army Research Laboratory) conducts experiments as part of its research programs in order to assess the maturity of technology. For example, ARL is conducting experiments that evaluate the ability of a fully autonomous SMRK to detect and avoid moving cars and people in motion. In addition, the US Navy's Space and Marine Weapons Center is conducting research into new robotic technologies and related key technical solutions, including autonomous mapping, obstacle avoidance, advanced communications systems, and joint SMRK and UAV missions.
All of these experiments with the simultaneous participation of several ground and air platforms are carried out in realistic external conditions, characterized by complex terrain and a set of realistic tasks during which the capabilities of all components and systems are evaluated. As part of these pilot programs (and the associated technology strategy) for the development of advanced SMRCs, the following directions have been identified to maximize the return on future investment:
- technology development will provide a technological basis for subsystems and components and appropriate integration into SMRK prototypes for performance testing;
- leading companies in this area will develop advanced technologies necessary to expand the scope of robotization, for example, by increasing the range of the SMRK and increasing the range of communication channels; and
- the risk mitigation program will ensure the development of advanced technologies for a specific system and will allow to overcome some technological problems.
Thanks to the development of these technologies, SMRKs are potentially capable of providing a revolutionary leap forward in the military sphere, their use will reduce human losses and increase combat effectiveness. However, in order to achieve this, they must be able to work independently, including performing complex tasks.
An example of an armed SMRK. AVANTGUARD of the Israeli company G-NIUS Unmanned Ground Systems
Advanced modular robotic system MAARS (Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System), armed with a machine gun and grenade launchers
Developed by NASA SMRK GROVER on snowy terrain
Technical requirements for advanced SMRK
Advanced SMRKs are designed and developed for military missions and operate primarily in hazardous conditions. Today, many countries provide research and development in the field of robotic unmanned systems, capable of working in most cases on rough terrain. Modern SMRKs can send video signals to the operator, information about obstacles, targets and other variables that are interesting from a tactical point of view, or, in the case of the most advanced systems, make completely independent decisions. In fact, these systems can be semi-autonomous when navigation data is used along with data from on-board sensors and commands from a remote operator to determine the route. A fully autonomous vehicle determines its own course by itself, using only on-board sensors to develop a route, but at the same time the operator always has the opportunity to make the necessary specific decisions and take control in critical situations or in case of damage to the machine.
Today, modern SMRKs can quickly detect, identify, localize and neutralize many types of threats, including enemy activity in conditions of radiation, chemical or biological contamination on various types of terrain. When developing modern SMRK, the main problem is the creation of a functionally effective design. Key points include mechanical design, a suite of onboard sensors and navigation systems, human-robot interaction, mobility, communications, and power / energy consumption.
Robot-human interaction requirements include highly complex human-machine interfaces and therefore multimodal technical solutions must be developed for safe and friendly interfaces. Modern robot-human interaction technology is very complex and will require many tests and evaluations under realistic operating conditions in order to achieve good levels of reliability, both in human-robot interaction and in robot-robot interaction.
Armed SMRK developed by the Estonian company MILREM
The goal of the designers is the successful development of a SMRK capable of performing its task day and night on difficult terrain. In order to achieve maximum efficiency in each specific situation, the SMRK should be able to move on all types of terrain with obstacles at high speed, with high maneuverability and quickly change direction without a significant reduction in speed. Mobility-related design parameters also include kinematic characteristics (primarily the ability to maintain contact with the ground under all conditions). SMRK has, in addition to the advantage that it does not have the limitations inherent in humans, also the disadvantage of the need to integrate complex mechanisms that can replace human movements. The design requirements for ride performance must be integrated with sensing technology as well as sensor and software development in order to obtain good mobility and the ability to avoid various types of obstacles.
One of the extremely important requirements for high mobility is the ability to use information about the natural environment (climbs, vegetation, rocks or water), man-made objects (bridges, roads or buildings), weather and enemy obstacles (minefields or obstacles). In this case, it becomes possible to determine one's own positions and enemy positions, and by applying a significant change in speed and direction, the SMRK's chances of survival under enemy fire are significantly increased. Such technical characteristics make it possible to develop armed reconnaissance SMRK capable of performing reconnaissance, observation and target acquisition tasks, fire missions in the presence of a complex of weapons, and also capable of detecting threats for self-defense purposes (mines, enemy weapon systems, etc.).
All these combat capabilities must be implemented in real time in order to avoid threats and neutralize the enemy, using either their own weapons or communication channels with remote weapon systems. High mobility and the ability to localize and track enemy targets and activity in difficult combat conditions are extremely important. This requires the development of intelligent SMRK capable of tracking enemy activity in real time due to the built-in complex algorithms for recognizing movements.
Advanced capabilities, including sensors, algorithms for data fusion, proactive visualization and data processing, are essential and require a modern hardware and software architecture. When performing a task in modern SMRK, the GPS system, an inertial measurement unit, and an inertial navigation system are used to estimate the location.
Using the navigation data obtained thanks to these systems, the SMRK can independently move in accordance with the commands of the on-board program or the remote control system. At the same time, SMRK is able to send navigation data to a remote control station at short intervals so that the operator knows about its exact location. Fully autonomous SMRKs can plan their actions, and for this it is absolutely necessary to develop a route that excludes collisions, while minimizing such fundamental parameters as time, energy and distance. A navigation computer and a computer with information can be used to plot the optimal route and correct it (laser rangefinders and ultrasonic sensors can be used to effectively detect obstacles).
Components of a prototype armed SMRK developed by Indian students
Design of navigation and communication systems
Another important problem in the development of an effective SMRK is the design of the navigation / communication system. Digital cameras and sensors are installed for visual feedback, while infrared systems are installed for night operation; the operator can see the video image on his computer and send some basic navigation commands to the SMRK (right / left, stop, forward) to correct the navigation signals.
In the case of fully autonomous SMRK, visualization systems are integrated with navigation systems based on digital maps and GPS data. To create a fully autonomous SMRK, for such basic functions as navigation, it will be necessary to integrate systems for perception of external conditions, route planning and a communication channel.
While the integration of navigation systems for single SMRK is at an advanced stage, the development of algorithms for planning the simultaneous operation of several SMRK and joint tasks of SMRK and UAV is at an early stage, since it is very difficult to establish communication interaction between several robotic systems at once. The ongoing experiments will help determine what frequencies and frequency ranges are needed and how requirements will vary for a particular application. Once these characteristics are determined, it will be possible to develop advanced functions and software for several robotic machines.
Unmanned K-MAX helicopter transports SMSS (Squad Mission Support System) robotic vehicle during autonomy tests; while the pilot was in the K-MAX cockpit, but did not control it
Communication means are very important for the functioning of the SMRK, but wireless solutions have rather significant drawbacks, since the established communication can be lost due to interference associated with the terrain, obstacles or the activity of the enemy's electronic suppression system. Recent developments in machine-to-machine communication systems are very interesting, and thanks to this research, affordable and effective equipment for communication between robotic platforms can be created. The standard for special short-range communication DRSC (Dedicated Short-Range Communication) will be used in real-life conditions for communication between SMRK and between SMRK and UAV. Much attention is currently paid to ensuring the security of communications in network-centric operations and therefore future projects in the field of manned and uninhabited systems should be based on advanced solutions that comply with common interface standards.
Today, the requirements for short-term, low-power tasks are largely met, but there are problems with platforms performing long-term tasks with high power consumption, in particular, one of the most pressing issues is video streaming.
Fuel
The options for energy sources depend on the type of system: for small SMRKs, the energy source can be an advanced rechargeable battery, but for larger SMRKs, conventional fuel can generate the necessary energy, which makes it possible to implement a scheme with an electric motor-generator or a new generation hybrid electric propulsion system. The most obvious factors affecting energy supply are environmental conditions, machine weight and dimensions, and task execution time. In some cases, the power supply system must consist of a fuel system as the main source and a rechargeable battery (reduced visibility). The choice of the appropriate type of energy depends on all factors that affect the performance of the task, and the energy source must provide the required mobility, uninterrupted operation of the communication system, sensor set and weapons complex (if any).
In addition, it is necessary to solve technical problems associated with mobility on difficult terrain, the perception of obstacles and self-correction of erroneous actions. As part of modern projects, new advanced robotic technologies have been developed regarding the integration of on-board sensors and data processing, route selection and navigation, detection, classification and avoidance of obstacles, as well as elimination of errors associated with loss of communication and platform destabilization. Autonomous off-road navigation requires the vehicle to distinguish the terrain, which includes 3D orography of the terrain (terrain description) and the identification of obstacles such as stones, trees, stagnant bodies of water, etc. General capabilities are constantly increasing and today we can already speak of a sufficiently high level of definition of the image of the terrain, but only in the daytime and in good weather, but the capabilities of robotic platforms in an unknown space and in bad weather conditions are still insufficient. In this regard, DARPA carries out several experimental programs, where the capabilities of robotic platforms are tested in unknown terrain, in any weather, day and night. The DARPA program, called Applied Research in AI (Applied Research in Artificial Intelligence), is researching intelligent decision making and other advanced technological solutions for autonomous systems for specific applications in advanced robotic systems, as well as developing autonomous multi-robotic learning algorithms for performing joint tasks, which will allow groups of robots to automatically process new tasks and reallocate roles among themselves.
As already mentioned, the operating conditions and the type of task determine the design of a modern SMRK, which is a mobile platform with a power supply, sensors, computers and software architecture for perception, navigation, communication, learning / adaptation, interaction between a robot and a person. In the future, they will be more multilateral, will have an increased level of harmonization and interaction, and will also be more efficient from an economic point of view. Of particular interest are systems with modular payloads, which allow the machines to be adapted for different tasks. In the next decade, robotic vehicles based on open architecture will become available for tactical operations and protection of bases and other infrastructure. They will be characterized by a significant level of uniformity and autonomy, high mobility and modular onboard systems.
SMRK technology for military applications is rapidly evolving, which will allow many armed forces to remove soldiers from dangerous tasks, including detecting and destroying IEDs, reconnaissance, protecting their forces, demining and much more. For example, the concept of US Army brigade combat groups, through advanced computer simulations, combat training, and real-world combat experience, has demonstrated that robotic vehicles have improved the survivability of crewed ground vehicles and significantly improved combat effectiveness. The development of promising technologies, such as mobility, autonomy, equipping with weapons, human-machine interfaces, artificial intelligence for robotic systems, integration with other SMRK and manned systems, will provide an increase in the capabilities of uninhabited ground systems and their level of autonomy.
Russian percussion robotic complex Platform-M developed by NITI "Progress"
