Milrem Robotics announced it will launch a newly developed autonomous Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) unmanned ground system THeMIS Observe that will be showcased during the fourth iMUGS project demonstration in Belgium.

“A UGV based ISR system significantly increases a tactical unit’s reaction speed on targets as well as the stand-off distance from enemy units,” explained Cpt (res) Jüri Pajuste, Defence Research Director at Milrem Robotics.

“Thanks to that the capability and survivability of tactical reconnaissance units will increase considerably,” Pajuste said, adding that this type of capability is usually not available on one platform for light infantry units,” he added.

The THeMIS Observe is based on Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS UGV and integrated with ISR equipment from various leaders in their fields. The system includes the Z:Sparrowhawk camera from HENSOLDT, the Squire radar by Thales, Metravib Defence Pearl acoustic shot detection and the ROSY (Rapid Obscuring System) by Rheinmetall. The system can also be equipped with a light remote weapon station.

“The combination of those systems allows units to do multi-sensor identification on one platform and react faster on emerging targets,” Pajuste noted.

Additionally, the THeMIS Observe is equipped with Milrem’s Intelligent Functions Kit that enables autonomous functions such as follow-me, waypoint navigation with obstacle detection and avoidance.

The THeMIS Observe will be demonstrated during the European Commission’s European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) funded iMUGS project’s fourth demonstration in Belgium in June. The iMUGS project aims to develop a European standardized unmanned ground system (EUGS). During the project, modular and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems will be developed to standardize a European wide ecosystem.

The system will also be on display at Eurosatory (Paris, 13-17 June 2022) on Milrem Robotics’ stand.

The development of ISR UGV is supported by the Estonian Ministry of Defence.

Milrem Robotics is the leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator. The company is known for their THeMIS and Multiscope UGVs and the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle. The first two are intended for supporting dismounted soldiers and civilian use (forestry and firefighting), respectively, the Type-X RCV is a wingman for mechanized units.

The THeMIS UGV has already been acquired by 13 countries, eight of which are members of NATO.