Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
U.S. Department of War Awards Kaizen $15 Million for Counter-Drone Marketplace
The U.S. Department of War has awarded Kaizen a $15 million contract to create a digital marketplace for validated counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) technologies. This platform, developed for the Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401), aims to streamline the procurement process for military and law enforcement agencies by providing a centralized location for evaluating and acquiring counter-drone technologies. This initiative is crucial as the proliferation of low-cost commercial drones poses new challenges to security and military operations. Traditional procurement methods often lag behind the rapid evolution of drone technology, making it essential to have a more efficient system. The marketplace allows authorized users to search for products based on operational needs and access verified performance data, thereby expediting the acquisition process. Looking ahead, the marketplace will feature an AI-based Capability Planner that assists users in creating tailored C-UAS solutions. Kaizen anticipates this tool will be operational soon, enhancing the platform's functionality. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Anti-drone technology Applications C-UAS Defense News US Government
KONGSBERG and OCEANEERING Selected by U.S. Department of War for XLUUV CAMP Program
KONGSBERG and Oceaneering International, Inc. have been chosen by the U.S. Department of War’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to support the Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform (CAMP) program. This initiative focuses on developing an Extra-Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV) for future U.S. Navy operations. The CAMP program aims to expedite the integration of mature commercial and defense technologies into operational capabilities for the Navy. The collaboration will emphasize concept definition, system architecture, and design trade studies, with a focus on modularity and interoperability. The design for the XLUUV is expected to be delivered in the third quarter of this year. This partnership leverages KONGSBERG's extensive maritime engineering legacy and Oceaneering's expertise in subsea robotic services, enhancing their ability to deliver advanced uncrewed undersea platforms.
kongsberg oceaneering u.s. department of war diu camp program xluuv
U.S. Department of War's New Guide Indicates Shift in Counter-Drone Strategy
The U.S. Department of War’s Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has published a guide titled 'Small Drones, Big Problems: A First Principles Approach to Countering-UAS.' This document signals a significant shift in how government leaders perceive drones, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of drone threats rather than viewing them as isolated challenges. The report emphasizes that drones have become a permanent aspect of the security landscape, akin to the historical 'Happy Time' of German U-boats during World War II. It argues that while drones have enjoyed advantages due to inadequate defenses, the long-term battle will be one of adaptation between attackers and defenders. Looking ahead, the guide encourages a systems approach to counter-UAS strategies, focusing on understanding the operator, platform, control process, and payload. This perspective is crucial for federal agencies, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure operators as they integrate counter-drone measures into broader security frameworks, reflecting an evolving landscape in drone technology and security planning.
C-UAS defense Drone News Drone News Feeds Dual Use News
Department of War Creates Central Office to Oversee U.S. Military Unmanned Systems
On July 1, the U.S. Department of War announced a significant reorganization of its unmanned systems enterprise by establishing a new Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Unmanned Systems (DRPM-UxS). This central office will be responsible for consolidating the acquisition, standards, budgeting, and industry engagement related to the military's drone and autonomous programs. The move aims to enhance oversight and streamline operations within the Department’s unmanned systems, reflecting a commitment to improving efficiency and effectiveness in military technology.
Applications Defense defense Drone News Drone News Feeds Dual Use
Palladyne AI and IAI Form Partnership to Manufacture and Sell Combat-Proven Loitering Munition Systems to the U.S. Department of War
Palladyne AI has secured exclusive rights for the production and marketing of loitering munition systems in the United States, a move aimed at enhancing military capabilities. This partnership is set to bolster the effectiveness of air defense suppression and long-range strike operations in various tactical environments. The agreement underscores the growing demand for advanced military technologies, particularly as nations seek to modernize their defense strategies. By leveraging innovative loitering munitions, Palladyne AI aims to provide armed forces with improved tools to address contemporary threats effectively.
Defense Department awards over $200M to 26 R&D projects
The Microelectronics Commons program has launched a series of projects across eight regional hubs, aiming to advance key technical areas including quantum computing, secure edge computing, 5G/6G technologies, and artificial intelligence hardware. This initiative, which began in October 2023, seeks to foster innovation and collaboration within the microelectronics sector. By bringing together various stakeholders, the program intends to enhance the United States' capabilities in these critical fields, addressing the growing demand for advanced technologies and ensuring national competitiveness in the global market. The collaborative efforts are designed to leverage regional expertise and resources, ultimately driving progress in microelectronics and related industries.
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