The Demo III UGV program: a testbed for autonomous navigation research

Abstract

Demo III research program has entered its second year. The Department of Defence is examining the technologies developed and evaluated within the Demo III unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). The core of Demo III is the sensor, computing architecture and computing hardware-software development which are prerequisites for autonomous vehicle perception of and maneuver in the land combat environment. This effort integrates leading edge military concepts with advanced technology development and integration. The program provides a unique opportunity to evaluate a group of technically and conceptually interdependent initiatives through an iterative series of constructive war games, virtual simulations and field exercises with troops. The integration effort will provide the infrastructure required to have troops interact with the technologies through three successive development/experimentation cycles.