IIT Kharagpur Develops Versatile Unmanned Ground Vehicle with Hub Motor Tech for Military and Disaster Relief Operations

In a significant advancement for India's defence capabilities, the Defence Innovation Accelerator (DIA) Centre of Excellence (CoE) at IIT Kharagpur has unveiled a cutting-edge Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV).

This indigenously developed platform, featuring innovative hub motor technology, promises to revolutionize military operations and disaster response in India.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1873027611066286138

Formerly known as the Joint Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Assistive Technology (JCBCAT), the DIA CoE collaborated with the Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CMERI) and the Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) under DRDO to realize this project. This collaborative effort underscores India's growing focus on self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

The UGV stands out for its use of hub motors, which are integrated directly into the wheels. This design offers several advantages:

• Enhanced Maneuverability: Hub motors provide superior torque and control, enabling the UGV to navigate challenging terrains, from rugged landscapes to confined urban environments.
• Increased Efficiency: This technology optimizes power consumption, extending the vehicle's operational range and reducing its reliance on frequent recharging.
• Simplified Maintenance: With fewer moving parts, hub motors require less maintenance, ensuring higher operational readiness.

This versatile UGV is designed to perform a wide range of tasks:

• Reconnaissance and Surveillance: Equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, it can conduct autonomous or semi-autonomous missions, providing real-time intelligence on enemy positions and terrain conditions.
• Logistics and Support: The UGV can transport supplies, ammunition, and equipment across difficult terrain, minimizing risks to human personnel in hazardous situations.
• Disaster Response: Its ability to traverse diverse terrains makes it invaluable in disaster scenarios, enabling rapid access to affected areas and delivery of aid.
• Border Patrol: The UGV's endurance and navigation capabilities make it ideal for patrolling remote and challenging border regions, enhancing security and surveillance.

This development marks a crucial step towards strengthening India's defence capabilities and disaster preparedness. The UGV's adaptability and advanced features position it as a valuable asset for various security and humanitarian applications. Further research and development are expected to expand its capabilities and tailor it to specific operational needs.

 

[Kaness1]

Many new defence platforms are being made in the country, but are they being ordered by the armed forces or the govt in significant numbers. Ar are they just for showpiece.

 

[A.K.Koul]

India needs such innovative solutions for latest technology driven products to meet modern technology Challenges and to keep it's defence forces technologically updated . Keep it 💯 up

 

[Sandeep]

This is a brilliant achievement. We need to 100% indigenously design, develop and manufacture more of these UGV which can have multiple uses.

We can definitely install a rocket launcher but we should also install a remote medium/heavy machine gun that can be used in day or night.

We can also use it for surveillance as troops can’t man the entire border all of the time so using technology will help them.

 

[bonito]

Double likes for border patrol use. The entire IB patrol has to be automated. It needs 2 levels of security. Also there was a talk of tech enabled intelligent border fence. Everything should be employed to free our men from unwanted border patrol.