New UGV prototype demonstrated at Estonian trial

The Gereon RCS traversing autonomously in one of the scenarios at the Unmanned Ground Systems Autonomy Trials in Estonia. The platform dimensions are 141.5×131×73 (L×W×H) cm. (Janes/Olivia Savage)

A new unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) called the Gereon Robotic Carrier System (RCS) was unveiled and demonstrated for the first time at the Unmanned Ground Systems Autonomy Trials (UGV-AT) held in Estonia from 28 to 29 June.

The Gereon RCS, manufactured by Germany-based ARX Landsysteme, participated alongside 10 other UGVs in the trial to demonstrate its autonomous capabilities.

Weighing just 450 kg, the prototype is designed as a small highly modular, multi-purpose plug-and-play UGV, Stefan Roebel, chief operating officer (COO) and co-founder of the company told Janes.

Due to its size, the Gereon RCS is able to fit in most standard vehicles. It is also less expensive compared with other UGVs, making it more expendable, he said.

The UGV has a maximum payload capacity of 600 kg, 40 km range, and 20 kmph speed. It is equipped with two Global Positioning System (GPS) payloads, one light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, as well as a stereo camera and can be teleoperated or remote controlled. In addition, the system is capable of follow-me, GPS waypoint navigation, obstacle avoidance, and terrain segmentation.

Along with the Gereon RCS, the company has developed two other platforms, the Gereon 2 and Gereon 3, which weigh 65 kg and 180 kg, respectively.

ARX Landsysteme was established in March and the Gereon RCS prototype was built just 10 days before the event, he said.