Australian AI system developed for uncrewed vehicles

BAE Systems Australia and Trusted Autonomous Systems (TAS) have completed a four-year research and demonstration programme developing an advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) system that could be used in uncrewed ground vehicles (UGV).

The companies developed the TAGVIEW (Trusted Autonomous Ground Vehicles in Electronic Warfare) system which allows multiple UGVs to operate simultaneously to carry out mission objectives while identifying and evading potential threats.

BAE Systems Australia’s Defence Delivery Managing Director Andrew Gresham said: “We continue to push the boundaries of science and technology to provide Australia and our allies with a capability advantage on a future battlefield.

“TAGVIEW has been a unique collaboration, bringing together the strengths of Defence, industry and academia to fast track the development of a transformative autonomous technology.”

Modular in design, and integrated with BAE Systems’ autonomous Vehicle Management System, TAGVIEW will be compatible with a range of different UGVs.

It can feature a range of technologies, including optic cameras, LiDaR (Light Detection and Ranging) and internal navigation and route planning systems, making it easier for the user to control.

During the demonstration phase, TAGVIEW was installed on several M113 Optionally Crewed Combat Vehicles (OCCVs, pictured) and put through its paces in a series of planned relocation, logistical and sweep search missions.

In 2021 BAE Systems Australia installed locally-developed autonomous operation hardware and software in twenty M113 AS4 OCCVs and delivered them to the Australian Army.

Trusted Autonomous Systems’ Chief Technology Officer Dr Simon Ng said: “TAS was instrumental in developing the project, reviewing its technical progress and achievements, and working with BAE Systems on the design of trials and demonstrations.

“It’s been exciting to see what a diverse team from industry, researchers and DSTG can do and highlights the value of a collaborative approach in achieving innovation for Defence.”

Further reading:
BAE Systems turns M113 personnel carriers autonomous

Picture: BAE Systems Australia