Milrem Robotics partners with QinetiQ on battlefield robot system
Milrem Robotics has partnered with security technology firm QinetiQ for its TITAN SENTRY battlefield robot system. The setup features Milrem's THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) fitted with QinetiQ sensors that the company said will feed soldiers in-the-field data to help them identify and fix enemy locations while reducing the risk of casualties. Milrem is also seeking to link THeMIS with aerial drones for use in higher-risk or remote areas. The TITAN SENTRY system was exhibited at the Defence and Security Equipment International exhibition in London.

In an effort to give soldiers new robotic systems for defense applications, Milrem Robotics, which is a provider of defense technologies, will expand the capabilities of its THeMIS UGV.

One of Milrem Robotics’ goals is to enhance the situational awareness of warfighters, so several systems are being developed, including the TITAN SENTRY concept, which was developed in collaboration with QinetiQ.

​The TITAN SENTRY concept, which includes the Milrem Robotics-designed THeMIS UGV, along with a suite of sensor systems integrated by QinetiQ, is an “exploration of manned/unmanned teaming where the cognitive burden on the warfighter is vastly reduced through the fusion of sensor data and advanced battlespace management systems.” It is meant to operate in high threat areas, as it can identify and fix enemy locations while reducing the risk of casualties.

Milrem Robotics has also started developing an unmanned system that combines the THeMIS UGV with UAS. The company is also working with Eli, which is an Estonian UAV manufacturer, to develop a UAS nest, and they have also begun a tethered multirotor UAS integration project with Threod Systems.

These systems can be used during high risk situations or in remote areas where a larger area needs oversight, without the need of a human operator to be present.

Kuldar Väärsi, the CEO of Milrem Robotics, says that robotic systems are very important for keeping soldiers as safe as possible.

“Remotely controlled robotic systems that keep our soldiers in a safe distance are crucial to the next generation of battlefield effects that will give asymmetric advantage to the warfighter,” Väärsi says.