KNDS Aims to Establish Itself as Leading European Supplier of Unmanned Ground Vehicles.

KNDS, a leading Franco-German company in the defense sector, announced on June 21, 2024, its intention to become the principal European supplier of military robots. The company unveiled its new CENTURIO range, designed to meet the varied needs of modern armies.
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KNDS has demonstrated the remote operation capabilities of its vehicles with the CENTURIO.  (Picture source: KNDS)

KNDS has demonstrated the remote operation capabilities of vehicles, highlighting its technological expertise in the field of military robots. In collaboration with MILREM Robotics, the company presented the CENTURIO combat robot range and modular Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) solutions. These innovations are already proving their worth, with field-tested robots like the NERVA patrol robot currently safeguarding the Eurosatory 2024 exhibition.

The CENTURIO range, a testament to KNDS's commitment to enhancing operational credibility, includes various unmanned systems designed for initial combat engagements, aimed at reducing human casualties. This range is characterized by its modularity, capable of meeting a variety of operational needs.

Among KNDS's recent successes is the use of NERVA patrol robots at Eurosatory 2024, ensuring the security of the exhibition at night. KNDS also presented a mission solution for intermediate forces, integrating manned and unmanned systems, utilizing advanced data management and sensor-to-shooter technologies. Long-range communication tests have been successful, with secured radio links reaching 7 km in open fields and 80 m inside a ship with the French Navy. The LARINAE loitering ammunition program also benefits from secured radio links up to 80 km.

In the field of engineering robots, KNDS has demonstrated in various scenarios the effectiveness of remotely piloted bridge-laying systems and explosive ordnance reconnaissance missions conducted by the CENTURIO robot, piloted out of sight. Autonomous capabilities have been confirmed during mobility tests with the ULTRO robot, equipped with artificial intelligence capable of following roads, forest paths, landmarks, and soldiers and vehicles.

The CENTURIO range, designed to meet all military needs, includes several specialized versions: a combat robot version equipped with a 30 mm ARX 30, an explosive ordnance reconnaissance version, and a CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) detection version. In addition to the CENTURIO robots, KNDS offers heavy-duty solutions such as the ULTRO carrier robot and the OPTIO tracked combat robot. The company is also progressing in its work on a remotely operated main battle tank chassis in preparation for the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS).

With these developments, KNDS aims to consolidate its position as the leading European supplier of military robots, continually improving the capabilities and operational efficiency of its entire product range. It remains to be seen how these advancements will be received by industry decision-makers.