During the European Land Robot Trial (ELROB) event that was held in Belgium from 24 to 28 September 2018, the Finnish Company Patria has demonstrated a new unmanned version of a full digitalised AMV, 8x8 armored multirole vehicle. In Belgium, a test drive of European robotic vehicles revealed that Patria is at the forefront of developing the new technology.

Unmanned Patria AMV 8x8 armored vehicle has performed trial tests at European Land Robot Trial in Belgium, September 2018.  (Picture source Patria)

The development of unmanned vehicles for reconnaissance, support and combat missions is a hot topic in the defence sector around the world. At the ELROB event, an impartial jury assessed the level of various technological solutions in everyday challenges. Patria competed in the category in which the capability of unmanned military vehicles was tested in convoy missions. The remote controlled vehicle had to follow a command vehicle autonomously.

“The fully digitalized Patria AMV, which forms part of the Patria AMV 8×8 product range, received a great deal of positive attention at the event,” says Matti Saarikko, Director, Technology Management, of the Patria’s Land business unit. “The testing took place under realistic conditions. The 2.4 kilometer route included slippery country roads, for example,” added Saarikko.

The unmanned AMV Patria vehicle is supported by a sensor system based on lasers, cameras and radar. Inertia and GPS positioning are also required in order to control the vehicle. The autonomous function can be integrated into all existing Patria AMV vehicles. More than 1,600 of these are in use by the Defence Forces of various countries.

At the ELROB event, an impartial jury assessed the level of various technological solutions in everyday challenges. Patria competed in the category in which the capability of unmanned military vehicles was tested in convoy missions. The remote controlled vehicle had to follow a command vehicle autonomously.

“The testing took place under realistic conditions. The 2.4 kilometer route included slippery country roads, for example,” says Saarikko. However, Saarikko was yearning for a more challenging test track. He points out that this would have highlighted the good qualities of the Patria vehicle even more effectively.

“The positive feedback from the impartial jury showed that we have developed a credible alternative among unmanned vehicles. Patria’s solution is already close to being the right kind of product that the customer can use.” A strong impression was also made by the flexibility of Patria’s option.

“The integrated drive-by-wire control system developed by Patria enables both remote control of a vehicle and autonomous functions. It also allows traditional, manned use of the vehicle.