Diehl Defence participated with great success in this year’s ‘European Land Robot Trial’ (ELROB), which took place from June 24 to 28 on the grounds of the Bundeswehr Technical Center for Land-Based Vehicle Systems, Engineer and General Field Equipment (WTD 41) in Trier. 17 international teams from all over the world competed against each other in five challenging disciplines in this competition of robotic systems. Diehl Defence won the first place in the “Mule” scenario with the Ziesel Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV). For this scenario, a specific route is taught in a first phase in the follow-me-mode. In phase two, the UGV must automatically drive the recorded route. This takes place under highly complex conditions, e.g. a GNSS-denied environment, in difficult terrain with high vegetation and blocked paths.
The Diehl Defence UGV was particularly convincing in the key areas of autonomy and mobility. Together with Patria from Finland, Diehl Defence also took part in the convoy scenario on 6×6 and AMV 8×8. The unmanned capabilities of the UGV are realized by the Autonomy Kit PLATON which is developed by Diehl Defence. The land vehicle in the follow-me-mode operates without active sensors, such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and GPS, which could be easily detected or jammed by the enemy. The UGV manoeuvers, for example, the armed forces’ equipment around trees, is able to evacuate injured soldiers and manages obstacles by either avoiding or, if possible, driving over them.
The Diehl Defence UGV is based on the Ziesel platform from Mattro. With its small dimensions of 148 x 123 cm (LxW), its low dead weight of 350 kg and a maximum payload of more than 500 kg, this vehicle is the perfect infantry support when it comes to the transport of heavy equipment in the terrain. Due to its high maneuverability, the UGV can accompany soldiers through dense wooded areas without impeding them. Equipped with exchangeable 10 kWh lithium-ion batteries, Mattro Ziesel operates completely electrically, attracts no attention by loud running or engine noises and is able to reach a speed of up to 20 km/h. High-ranking visitors from all over the world took part in this event. Annette Lehnigk-Emden, President of the BAAINBw, also joined ELROB and was able to gain an impression of the current capability of the Diehl Defence UGV.
Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG is a German weapon manufacturer headquartered in Überlingen. The company is one of the global technology leaders in the development and production of guided missiles and ammunition for armies, air forces and navies. Moreover, Diehl Defence also offers advanced system solutions for ground-based air defence. Innovative solutions in the fields of reconnaissance, monitoring, training and protection round off the product range. It operates as a division of Diehl Stiftung and specializes in the production of missiles and ammunition. Diehl BGT Defence was established in 2004 through the merger of Bodenseewerke Gerätetechnik GmbH and Diehl Munitionssysteme GmbH & Co. KG. In February 2017, Diehl BGT Defence and Diehl Defence Holding were integrated into Diehl Defence.
