Strategic Elements Ltd (ASX:SOR) robotics subsidiary Stealth Technologies intends to integrate airborne drones with its ground-based autonomous and robotic vehicle platform.
This program is expected to deliver a completed prototype early in the December quarter of 2020.
Outcome of ON Prime: Defence Program
The ‘Drone Capability’ development is an outcome of the ON Prime: Defence Program that Stealth completed in November 2019.
This program was delivered by CSIRO in partnership with Defence Science and Technology, which is part of the Australian Department of Defence.
In sectors such as security, defence and resources drones can augment ground-based sensors to provide additional range and coverage through multi-angle video through cameras and fusion of extra sensor data.
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Under the Defence Program Stealth proposed to equip a fully autonomous ruggedised unmanned ground vehicle to include drone launching and landing capabilities.
This would enable a flexible platform that could encompass intelligence, surveillance and communications capabilities.
It would also be a hive, containing multiple drones capable of recharging upon return in order to maximise their utility.
Security and surveillance opportunity
As a result of the program, it was apparent that the technology could be initially deployed for use in security patrol and surveillance of critical infrastructure facilities which Stealth Technologies is targeting with its Autonomous Robotic Security Vehicle.
This vehicle is being developed for sectors such as transport, energy, defence, government and utilities providing critical services.
Perimeter security enhances security to protect employees and assets from unauthorised intrusion in sensitive areas.
The ON Prime: Defence Program seeks “innovative technologies that have the potential to deliver game-changing capabilities for Australia's national security and defence”.
It provides a unique opportunity to fast-track a technology proposition with defence experts and potential end-users.
Stealth entered the program with the view to assessing its technology for trusted autonomous systems’ and ‘integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance’.
The program is delivered under the Next Generation Technologies Fund, a $730 million fund focusing on emerging and future technologies for the ‘future Defence force after next’.
