Presentation of the latest findings from the research programmes «Unmanned systems/robotics» and «Outer space»
After the successful kick-off of the annual research reporting in April, two further research programmes from armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T) had the chance to present their latest findings to internal DDPS employees on Wednesday, 29 May 2024. The two research programme directors, Dr Mark Höpflinger and Dr Peter Erni, prepared an overarching presentation of research reporting regarding «Unmanned systems/robotics» and «Outer space» for the interested audience.
Sarah Trösch, Staff, competence sector Science and Technology
The focus was once again on highly topical issues at this year’s research reporting, covering defence against small drones and the needs of the Armed Forces in the outer space sector. In addition to internal armasuisse S+T speakers, numerous external experts from the Armed Forces, industry and universities were also invited to share their most important findings with those present.
The future of robotics is starting now – a look at the two research programmes 5/6 «Unmanned systems/robotics»
Dr Mark Höpflinger started the morning with an overview of the current research activities and findings on unmanned systems and robotics. Unmanned vehicles can be used on the ground, in the water and in the air.
Military megatrends – such as those from the area of artificial intelligence (AI) - influence robotics and vice versa. For example, the use of AI thus enables complex motion sequences to be learned in computer simulations and then transferred to real robots. At the same time, robotics is a strong driver of AI. This interaction also contributes to accelerating the rapid development of technology. Based on the potential of robotics, various experts, such as General Mark Alexander Milley, take the view that we are currently on the verge of the greatest technological revolution that has ever taken place.
This starting position also increases the requirements for the researchers: In addition to the increased demand for the development of technical and scientific skills, there is a growing awareness of the need for socio-scientific expertise. For example, to regulate the use of AI or to identify ethical risks of robots.
However, the goal of the research programme director is to transfer the research results to innovation. In innovation, this means a practical and sustainably successful implementation of the research demonstrators that have been developed in order to contribute to the security of Switzerland. For example, based on the results of research, a novel, unmanned building machine has been constructed, which can now be used in the Armed Forces for clearing firing ranges. On this basis, further experiences can be gathered with new technologies and solutions that are actually being used..
Defence against minidrones – highly charged current focus
One of the current focal points is defence against small drones. Patricia Hörmann, scientific project manager at the Swiss Drone and Robotics Centre (SDRC) of armasuisse S+T, presented this topic.
Minidrones are the smallest category of drones; in the military sector these are drones with a weight of up to 30 kg. Minidrones present a type of new threat which needs to be countered. Defence against a minidrone starts by detecting the drone using sensors such as radars or cameras. Effectors are used to neutralise the drone to fend off the drones. These might include drone-catching drones or jammers to disrupt signals.
The SDRC is supporting armasuisse Procurement in a multi-year procurement project. In this context, a further test month is also planned for this year. The SDRC also carried out principle trials on the Smartshooter fire-control system. In the area of drone defence, the SDRC can rely on well-functioning cooperation with NATO and in the DACH region.
The research programme 8 «Outer space» in a constant expansion of competences
The afternoon started with an insight into the latest research programme from armasuisse S+T. Right at the start, Dr Peter Erni emphasised the increasing significance of the commercialisation of outer space (New Space). Due to significantly lower costs, new stakeholders are emerging on the scene and known or novel applications will thus become possible for a larger number of stakeholder groups.
In addition to traditional reconnaissance from orbit, armasuisse S+T is focusing on the operational picture of outer space. In other words, the ability to gain an ongoing overview of the various different satellites in orbit and their manoeuvres. This would enable, for example, the displacement of troops or the decentralisation of important weapons systems to be planned such that enemy reconnaissance via satellite would become more difficult or impossible.
Ludovic Monnerat, Colonel in the General Staff of Joint Operations Command thus also emphasised during the research reporting that there is a strong need for appropriate skills in the operational area of outer space in the Swiss Armed Forces. In addition to the possibility of being able to reconnoitre enemy forces, it is also essential to know when one can also be reconnoitred or not.
More information:
- Research Programme 5+6 - Unmanned Mobile Systems (admin.ch)
- Research Programme 8 - Outer space (admin.ch)
- Remote-controlled excavator in action: An example of successful cooperation (admin.ch)
- Defence against minidrones in Bure and Payerne: Demonstrating the limits of drone defence technology (admin.ch)