Autonomous systems innovation goal of UK robotics organization
NewsMay 25, 2021
UNITED KINGDOM. The Expeditionary Robotics Center of Expertise (ERCoE) has been launched by Defense Equipment and Support (DE&S) in collaboration with the British Army. Officials claim the ERCoE will aim to bring together robotics and autonomous systems experts from across defense, government, academia, and industry and aligns with DE&S’ strategy to deliver the edge through people, technology, and innovation.
Officials claim that the ERCoE will act as a focal point for current innovative projects, and also assess unexplored, high-risk but rapidly maturing technologies. Projects to be investigated at the outset include remote platoon vehicles, nano unmanned aircraft systems, autonomous resupply of forward troops, and how defense forms human-machine teams.
The specialist organization sits under the Future Capability Group (FCG) at DE&S, the procurement arm of the Ministry of Defense. Officials explained that FCG has a direct line to market, ensuring ideas can be rapidly developed.
The ERCoE claims it has been jointly launched with Future Force Development in Army Headquarters and is aligned to their Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Strategy. The hub will initially focus on projects for the British Army, but there is optimism that as the group expands and matures, it will become a central hub of advice for expeditionary robotics across defense.
