British company DCE introduces new X3 Robotic Vehicle.

Digital Concepts Engineering (DCE) has recently launched the X3, a new unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) that has evolved from its predecessor, the X2. After years of rigorous real-world testing, the X3 exemplifies the versatility of DCE's X Series with its reconfigurable top deck, designed to meet the demands of various sectors such as defense, nuclear, and agriculture.
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The X3 can navigate challenging terrains, carry payloads up to 250 kg, tow up to 3 tonnes, and traverse landscapes like mud, sand, slopes, debris, and stairs (Picture source: Digital Concepts Engineering)

The X3 serves as an economical mobile platform capable of supporting a broad range of mission systems. Its capabilities range from payload systems for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) to decoy operations and tactical sound systems. Additionally, the vehicle's versatility is enhanced by its compatibility with automated mounting and dismounting systems, such as a bulldozer blade, which increases its utility in diverse environments.

Equipped with a low latency control system, the X3 can navigate challenging terrains, carry payloads up to 250 kg, tow up to 3 tonnes, and traverse landscapes like mud, sand, slopes, debris, and stairs. The configurable top deck of the X Series allows smooth adaptation to various applications, offering increased versatility in military, nuclear, and agricultural sectors.

The X Series from DCE represents a versatile and economical range of tracked all-terrain unmanned ground vehicles, known for their robustness and adaptability. These vehicles are designed to be cost-effective and are equipped with a robotic operating system interface, allowing for easy customization to meet diverse customer needs. Additionally, they feature extended mission capability thanks to a low-power sleep mode.

Available in teleoperated and potentially autonomous configurations, the X Series vehicles can utilize a robotic operating system interface to aid in the development and testing of autonomous technologies. They also feature a standby mode that supports multi-week dormancy, enabling extended deployments in remote areas with capabilities for immediate activation when needed.

Since its inception in 2017, Digital Concepts Engineering has been pioneering the conversion of various vehicles to remote control, gaining a reputation as a leader in uncrewed vehicle technology. Using their proprietary high reliability, low latency Marionette control system, the company has adapted a diverse array of platforms—from armored fighting vehicles like the FV510 Warrior and the US HMMWV to trucks, multi-wheeled platforms, and bomb disposal units—for manual or AI-driven autonomous operations. Marionette, a versatile system handling everything from engine and brake controls to diverse payloads like digital sensors and hydraulic manipulators, facilitates rapid conversions and extends the lifespan of existing platforms.

Recently, DCE has focused on improving teleoperation speeds up to 100 kph and developing universal control interfaces suitable for both human and AI controllers, alongside alternative communication methods like radio and Free Space Optics. Additionally, DCE designs and manufactures versatile and cost-effective X-series UGVs, ranging from 250 to 400 kg, including specialized models for reconnaissance and fully submersible operations, deployed across defense, agriculture, and nuclear decommissioning sectors.

Defense News April 2024