Robotics in the German Army

German Army, Due to the reorientation of the Bundeswehr with an extended spectrum of tasks in conflict prevention and crisis management including the fight against international terrorism, the armed forces are heading for new demands. This holds also for most of the other European forces. 
 
Robotics is one option for the intelligent substitution of personnel on highly dangerous and tedious operations. Such unmanned systems allow considerable improvement in the protection of soldiers. This applies to reconnaissance and combat operations as well as to handling or manipulating hazardous materials (e.g. NBC, mine detection). The employment of robot systems on the ground is imperative for protracted activities and/or for activities under threat. 
 
Unmanned systems enable the soldier to enhance his protection considerably by substantially increasing the distance between him and the scene of operation. Furthermore, the employment of this technology allows accommodating the limited funds in the military sector and the increased need for opportunities of personnel cutbacks. 
 
Against the background of this fundamental new situation and the permanent requirement for more economy of manpower and funds, the Bundeswehr and other European forces are consolidating and realigning their R&T activities in the area of robotics. 
 
1st European Land-Robot Trial 2006 (ELROB) 
 
Facing the reorientation of the Bundeswehr and the increasing interest of other European armed forces the ELROB is conducted by the German Federal Armed Forces in order to provide an overview of the European state of the art in the field of UGVs. 
 
With regard to available capabilities, the organisers seek to promote innovative technical approaches that will enable the operation of unmanned ground vehicles (UGV). These ground vehicles will have to navigate in a predefined scenario in an intelligent manner to avoid or accommodate to obstacles including nearby vehicles and other impediments. 
 
Therefore, ELROB is a field test of UGVs on realistic terrain and specific performance goals for distance and speed. 
 
Representatives of military, border patrol, special forces, police, fire brigades, and civil protection agencies from the major European countries will attend. 
 
The ELROB will be accompanied with a comprehensive exhibition covering a wide variety of robotics aspects. 
 
As a result, ELROB will draw widespread attention to the technology issues associated with UGVs. Entrants should be motivated to overcome the obstacles to the realization of truly robust UGVs. The event challenges the most capable and innovative companies, institutions, and entrepreneurs from Europe to produce breakthroughs in capability and performance. 
 
NOTE: This is not a challenge in the sense of a competition or contest. Nevertheless, it is a challenge in the sense of coping with the scenarios and requirements of the user.