UGV: THE NEXT DIMENSION OF WARFARE

With the rest of the world developing unmanned ground vehicles at a breakneck speed, it is time for India to join the bandwagon at the earliest.

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Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) have been of interest to man and especially to the realms of defence for years. UGVs in the form of robots were part of science fictions and fantasy in the bygone era. But, with the advancement of technology, as in other spheres, they have become a part of reality. The use of UGVs in defence has been steadily expanding and military organisations across the globe are experimenting with their use in an effort to understand what exactly such systems can offer and how they can be best integrated in the current force structures.

UGVs are robotic vehicles which operate without any direct physical human interference. Such vehicles can be used in area surveillance as well as combat operations against the enemy. UGVs can also be used in mine-clearing operations in the tactical-level battlefield. Armed with sensors, these vehicles can be operated in autonomous mode as well as with the help of remote-control units. Based on a durable chassis, UGVs include components like platform, sensors, control systems, guidance interface, communication links and systems integration features. Based on the ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) platform, UGVs can be based on tracks and wheels for mobility. Sensors can include compasses, odometers, inclinometers, gyroscopes, cameras for triangulation, laser and ultrasound range finders, and infrared technology. While some countries like China, Russia and the United States have made giant strides in the development of UGV technology, India is catching up too.

The evolution