Thales Launches OpenDRobotics: Revolutionizing Collaborative Combat with Robotics and Drones

Thales Launches OpenDRobotics: Revolutionizing Collaborative Combat with Robotics and Drones

Thales, a leading technology company, has announced the launch of OpenDRobotics, a groundbreaking solution that combines robotics technologies with unmanned air and ground vehicles to provide the armed forces with an integrated, human-in-the-loop mission system capability. This innovative system leverages artificial intelligence to transform collaborative combat by integrating multiple drones and robotic systems, increasing their ability to operate autonomously and reducing the cognitive burden on warfighters.

Recent conflicts have highlighted the operational value of drones and robotic systems in enhancing mission effectiveness and battlefield transparency while keeping human operators safe. OpenDRobotics takes collaborative combat to the next level by tying together different types of drones and robotics technologies to provide an automated mission system capability.

Thales has a long-standing expertise in collaborative combat and is a key player in the field, providing AI modules, connectivity solutions, and mission systems that enable engaged units to operate as a network. The OpenDRobotics initiative builds on the success of CohoMa II and aims to coordinate the capabilities of a wide range of drones and robotic systems, providing command-and-control functions for extended collaborative combat.

OpenDRobotics is designed to play a central role in a variety of armed forces missions, including reconnaissance, intelligence, Special Forces operations, and more. The system is built on the open-source ROS (Robot Operating System) and STANAG 4586 standards, making it easier to integrate drones and robotic systems developed by partners and third parties.

“We are proud to present OpenDRobotics, a comprehensive offering that will accelerate the process of integrating drones and robotic systems in land combat operations,” said Arnaud Lacaze, Vice President Defence Business Segment at Thales. “By coordinating large numbers of autonomous systems on the battlefield, Thales is enabling the forces to conduct their missions more quickly and safely.”

Overall, OpenDRobotics represents a significant advancement in collaborative combat capabilities, providing armed forces with a powerful tool to enhance their operational effectiveness and safety on the battlefield.