During the Army Warfighting Experiment 2018 (AWE18) - Autonomous Warrior (Land), British troops thoroughly tested four Milrem Robotics’ and QinetiQ Titan UGVs.

Milrem Robotics was the most represented UGV manufacturer in the exercise with its four vehicles.

“The main goal of the experiment, which concluded last week, was to determine how new unmanned technologies can enhance soldier's survivability and effectiveness on the modern battlefield,” says Juri Pajuste, program director at Milrem Robotics, who took part in the exercises.

Testing of the UGVs was conducted over the course of three phases. During the first phase, combat operations were conducted without the benefit of new technologies. During the second phase, combat operations were conducted using new technologies but without changing tactics. Finally, during the third phase, combat operations were conducted using new technologies and adapting tactics according to the capability that the new technology provides.

The UGVs were used in a variety of roles, with missions conducted in urban, open and forested terrain.

“The feedback from the users was very positive and they were surprised how agile and durable Milrem’s UGV is,” Pajuste says.

Of the four UGVs developed by Milrem Robotics, two were deployed by Milrem Robotics, while the other two were deployed by QinetiQ. Fielded by Milrem, the systems included one configured as a casualty evacuation and logistical support unit and a second unit equipped with a tethered multi-rotor UAS pod provided by Threod Systems.

One of the four UGVs was a prototype system called TITAN Strike, which carried a Kongsberg remote weapon station, fully controlled by a remote operator and using QinetiQ’s Pointer system as a means of integrating the capability with dismounted infantry. The second system, TITAN Sentry, was also enabled with Pointer, and featured a Hensoldt provided sensor suite including electro optical and thermal imaging cameras and a battlefield radar.

QinetiQ also used one of the two TITAN platforms in a logistics configuration as part of its work on the UK’s Autonomous Last Mile Resupply challenge. Those demonstrations took place alongside AWE18.