eUGS

European Defence Agency

2026 – 2029

700k €

Project website

EDA website

The eUGS project is an international collaboration focused on developing next‑generation unmanned ground systems to support military engineers in hazardous environments. Today, tasks such as demining, handling unexploded ordnance (UXO), or operating in contaminated areas still place personnel at significant risk. By advancing robotic technologies and improving human–machine interaction, the project aims to make these operations safer, more efficient, and less demanding for operators.

A central part of the project is the development of a heavy-duty robotic platform equipped with dual manipulation arms, supported by advanced sensing and processing capabilities. Operators will be able to control this robot through a virtual‑reality interface with haptic feedback, allowing them to “feel” the environment remotely. This combination offers far greater precision, situational awareness, and operator comfort—crucial when working with delicate or dangerous objects in difficult terrain.

In addition to advanced manipulation, the project focuses on enhancing autonomous navigation and perception. New algorithms and sensor fusion technologies will enable unmanned systems to move safely through complex environments, avoid obstacles, and maintain reliable operation even when communication links are degraded. These capabilities not only increase safety but also reduce the cognitive load on the human operator by automating routine or high‑precision tasks.

Another major innovation lies in the development of a common control and communication architecture that enables different robotic platforms—ground vehicles, flying sensors, and specialized accessories—to work together as a coordinated team. This unified system will allow data to flow seamlessly between devices, enabling shared situational awareness and cooperative behaviours such as mapping hazardous areas, detecting explosive threats, or supporting counter‑CBRN missions. The result is a more integrated, flexible, and scalable approach to engineering robotics.

Ultimately, the eUGS project aims to create a robust, interoperable system‑of‑systems that enhances the safety and effectiveness of military engineering operations. By combining cutting‑edge robotics, intuitive interfaces, and collaborative autonomy, the project will provide engineers with powerful new tools to handle dangerous tasks from a safe distance, improving mission outcomes while protecting lives.

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