Designed from the outset as a high reliability, low latency vehicle control system, MarionetteTM consists of a series of automotive-style modules, each performing a specific function, that combine into a complete vehicle control system with a specific focus on unmanned ground vehicles. This modular and scalable approach allows rapid integration and configuration as well as almost unlimited expansion options.
MarionetteTM is most commonly deployed in vehicle digitisation configuration, essentially converting any vehicle to remote control. There can be many reasons for this, primarily removing a person from harm’s way. Successful conversions include both wheeled and tracked, combat, reconnaissance and logistics vehicles including FV510 Warrior, HMMWV, MAN HX-60 and several others that have not been made public. These vehicles are capable of being controlled remotely by a human or via semi-autonomous and autonomous controllers up to the full capabilities and speeds of the original platform.
When applied to a new platform, MarionetteTM can function as the entire control system architecture; inversely it can also replace and upgrade obsolete equipment. In the Latter case MarionetteTM has been deployed as an EOD (bomb disposal) robot upgrade package; these upgrades are in service in the UK and across the Middle East for both training and deployment missions. It has provided bolt-on ‘follow me’ functionality to the Ghost Vision-60 Q-UGVs and the AVT Proteus 8×8 vehicles.
Along with vehicle, equipment and sensor interfaces, MarionetteTM has been designed to be communications agnostic, interfacing to a variety of customer-specified radio systems. Enhanced diagnostics and vehicle feedback are remotely available via these communications. Various controller interfaces are also available, including GVA and Al as well as different user control interfaces and consoles.
