Thanks to the new technology, the Sirko-S1 robot will be able to return from the battlefield even after losing GPS communication (video)
If the robot loses the signal from the operator, it will independently drive to the place where it last caught the connection thanks to revolutionary technology.
The Sirko-S1 ground-based unmanned drone by Kharkiv-based Skylab is now able to return to a point where there is communication without GPS or even a compass, using only sensors. The project manager, Yevhen Rvachov, said this on his Telegram channel.
In combat conditions, there is often a problem of losing communication with drones, which makes them difficult to find and return. Usually, the return of such a device is associated with a loss of time and resources, as well as a risk to life. The Ukrainian UGV (unmanned ground vehicle) Sirko-S1 has “learned” to do this even when satellite navigation is not working.
“UGV Sirko-S1 is proud to introduce a revolutionary feature that solves this problem – returning to a point of contact without GPS or compasses,” commented Evgeny Rvachov.
To find the way, the robot uses data from Hall sensors and encoders. When you go on a task, it accurately tracks the distance traveled and the direction. Mathematical algorithms allow you to restore the path to the point where the connection was made from these readings.
The new option allows Sirko-S1 to return from places where GPS does not work for some reason. This can be in the area of EW coverage or in closed rooms. In fact, the drone does not need data from external sources to return.
Operators don’t have to spend time locating and retrieving the robot, and they are less likely to lose it or endanger themselves. The developer says that “Return to Point of Contact” is just one of the many innovative features of UGV Sirko-S1.
The Sirko-S wheeled unmanned robot is a small platform weighing 45 kg with dimensions of 800 x 400 x 200 mm, capable of transporting a payload. The platform is equipped with a camera or thermal imager, laser rangefinders, and has an autonomous driving mode following a person. The drone is able to go around obstacles and drive off-road.
The development has demonstrated successful results in combat conditions. The military praised its work, and the developer has plans for a combat turret and a demining module for the platform.
Sirko-S1 has also been tested in extreme winter conditions. It successfully traveled in deep snow at -6°C and with a load of 200 kg.
