ADF soldiers trial robot ground system

Soldiers from the Australian Army’s Regional Force Surveillance Group (RFSG) Pilbara Regiment are trialling an uncrewed ground robot.

The Ground Uncrewed System, known as GUS, is an Australian-developed surveillance robot – developed with industry partner Outlook Industries.

Research and development is taking place in the Victorian town of Yinnar. The use of locally sourced materials and creation of new jobs has brought a welcome economic boost to the Gippsland community.

GUS is equipped with cameras and sensors capable of providing persistent surveillance for more than 30 continuous days using battery power.

An on-board liquid fuel generator recharges the battery when it is low to extend GUS’s mission endurance further.

Director-General Future Land Warfare Brigadier James Davis,said the Australian Army was committed to developing capabilities that exploit new and emerging technologies.

“Placing this equipment in the hands of the end users such as RFSG allows us to ‘learn by,” Brigadier Davis said.

Army’s 13th Engineer Regiment has trialed GUS under a variety of conditions, including deployment on Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2023.

GUS can detect moving objects and can then transmit this information to a remote operator, potentially removing soldiers from harsh environmental conditions and expanding a surveillance area.

Brigadier Davis said: “Working with sovereign industry unlocks novel ideas and strengthens Australia’s industrial base. Project GUS demonstrates what can be achieved locally.”

Picture: Defence/testing a ground uncrewed system