Articles tagged with "modular-systems"
BAE Systems unveils compact system to jam enemy air defenses
BAE Systems has successfully flight-tested a new compact, modular electromagnetic attack (EA) system designed to jam enemy air defense networks and disrupt the electromagnetic spectrum used for battlefield coordination. The system, demonstrated in collaboration with the US Air Force, was flown in a weapon pod on a test aircraft representing a Group 4 or Group 5 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This smaller form factor leverages core components from BAE’s high-power airborne EA hardware, enabling scalable, distributed electromagnetic effects across multiple platforms with varying mission needs. The system is configurable for drones, ground vehicles, weapons stations, and collaborative combat aircraft, making it a cost-efficient and flexible solution for modern electronic warfare. The new EA system enhances BAE Systems’ ability to counter advanced drone and missile threats by disrupting enemy command, control, communications, computing, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (C5ISRT) capabilities. According to Rory Duddy, program director for Modular Electromagnetic Attack at BAE
robotdroneselectromagnetic-warfaredefense-technologymodular-systemsunmanned-aerial-vehiclesmilitary-technologyUS firms unveil autonomous strike aircraft developed at record speed
U.S. defense technology firms Divergent Technologies and Mach Industries unveiled an autonomous strike aircraft prototype named Venom in Los Angeles on February 17, achieving flight readiness in a record 71 days. This rapid development timeline highlights the potential of digital manufacturing and modular engineering to drastically shorten traditional aerospace production cycles, which typically take years. Venom serves as a flight demonstration platform to prove that defense hardware can be designed and produced quickly using software-driven engineering and advanced additive manufacturing techniques. Central to Venom’s accelerated development is Divergent’s Adaptive Production System (DAPS), which replaces complex multi-part assemblies with large, unified structures created through additive manufacturing. This innovation reduces part counts, assembly time, and potential failure points while maintaining structural integrity, enabling aerospace-grade production at speeds comparable to software development. Meanwhile, Mach Industries led the modular system architecture and avionics integration, employing a parallel engineering approach that allowed simultaneous hardware and software development. This method facilitated rapid iteration, testing, and integration of autonomous flight capabilities, further
robotautonomous-aircraftadditive-manufacturingmodular-systemsdigital-manufacturingaerospace-technologyrapid-prototypingUS advances prototype drone wingmen with autonomous software
The US Air Force has made significant progress in developing autonomous drone wingmen through its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, integrating government-owned autonomous software into two prototype models: General Atomics’ YFQ-42A and Anduril’s YFQ-44A. These semi-autonomous drones, designed to operate alongside crewed fighters like the F-35A, are intended to perform a range of missions including strike, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and decoy operations. The Air Force aims to field at least 1,000 such aircraft in various configurations, marking a shift toward a modular, software-first acquisition strategy that emphasizes rapid innovation and flexibility over traditional hardware-centric upgrades. Central to this effort is the Autonomy Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA), a modular open systems framework that decouples mission software from specific hardware platforms. This approach prevents vendor lock-in, facilitates rapid integration of new technologies, and supports cross-platform adaptability. The integration work is led by RTX Collins (partner
robotautonomous-dronesmilitary-technologyunmanned-aerial-vehiclesAI-softwaremodular-systemsdefense-innovationUS firm integrates missile on new aircraft with unmatched flexibility
Florida-based defense company L3Harris has successfully integrated its kinetic-launched effects vehicle, Red Wolf, onto its Sky Warden aircraft, demonstrating exceptional modularity and rapid reconfiguration capabilities for diverse mission needs. Red Wolf is a multi-domain precision strike vehicle capable of kinetic strikes, electronic warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The Sky Warden, based on the Air Tractor 802 platform, offers close air support, precision strike, and armed ISR with a small footprint and low operational cost, connecting seamlessly with joint force networks globally. L3Harris emphasizes that Red Wolf and its sibling Green Wolf represent the first in a family of flexible, modular multi-role vehicles featuring advanced software for in-flight collaboration, re-targeting, and autonomous swarming. These vehicles can be launched from air, ground, or maritime platforms using standard interfaces, enabling rapid, low-cost integration with various platforms, including third-party systems. Notably, Red Wolf is the only launched effect to have successfully deployed
robotautonomous-vehiclesmilitary-technologymodular-systemsprecision-strikeunmanned-aircraftkinetic-weaponsElectric semi-trucks could serve as mobile AI data centers, Belgian startup proposes
Belgian startup Windrose Electric has proposed an innovative concept to use electric semi-trucks as mobile, containerized AI data centers. The company’s founder and CEO, Wen Han, introduced the idea on LinkedIn, describing the vehicle as “AI in a box.” This design involves housing a 4 MWh battery system capable of megawatt-level DC fast charging in one container, while a separate container holds a modular AI inference unit delivering up to 0.5 MW of computing power. Utilizing standard 20-foot or 40-foot ISO shipping containers, the system aims to enhance flexibility, scalability, and energy efficiency compared to traditional data centers. The containerized data center approach offers several advantages, including rapid scalability, reduced operational costs, and easier relocation without the need for expensive land acquisition. By integrating advanced AI, the system can perform predictive maintenance and real-time performance monitoring, improving reliability and efficiency. Windrose’s R700 electric semi-truck, typically available in a 6×2 configuration
energyelectric-vehiclesdata-centersAImodular-systemsbattery-storagecontainerizationChina turns cargo ship into drone carrier with mobile EMALS launcher
A Chinese cargo ship, previously seen configured as a missile-carrying warship with around 60 containerized missile launch cells, has been rapidly reconfigured into a multi-role drone carrier equipped with a modular, road-mobile electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS). New imagery from Shanghai’s Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard shows the EMALS installed on the ship’s deck, marking a significant shift in its role from an arsenal-style surface combatant to a platform capable of launching large, fixed-wing combat drones. The EMALS system consists of multiple truck-mounted segments that link together to form a scalable launch track, allowing flexibility in length based on aircraft size and deck space. The ship retains some missile launch cells, a Type 1130 close-in weapon system, phased-array radar, and containerized sensors, indicating a blend of offensive and defensive capabilities. This development aligns with the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s ongoing experimentation with unconventional platforms and modular combat systems, as seen alongside the new Type 076 amphib
robotdroneelectromagnetic-aircraft-launch-systemmilitary-technologyunmanned-aerial-vehiclesmodular-systemsshipborne-launch-systemsWhy modular movement systems are the future of industrial operations
The article discusses the growing importance of modular movement systems in industrial operations, emphasizing their flexibility and adaptability in an environment where product lines and workflows change rapidly. Traditional fixed conveyors and rigid carts, designed for predictable workflows, are becoming obsolete as they cannot easily accommodate evolving operational needs. Modular systems, exemplified by TexTrack’s warehouse scooter, offer lightweight, reconfigurable platforms that separate the movement base from payload modules, allowing quick adjustments to different tasks such as picking, assembly, or replenishment without replacing the entire unit. This adaptability supports faster response to workflow changes and reduces downtime. A key advantage of modular systems lies in their focus on lifetime value rather than upfront cost. Using advanced composite manufacturing, TexTrack’s scooters are lighter, structurally strong, and feature components that can be individually replaced, significantly lowering repair time and costs over the equipment’s lifespan. This “replace, not rebuild” approach extends asset life and reduces operational interruptions. Additionally, modular platforms are well-suited for integration with emerging warehouse robotics
robotmodular-systemsindustrial-automationmaterial-handlingcomposite-materialswarehouse-technologyflexible-manufacturingNew anti-submarine warfare tech comes in a 20-foot container
Ultra Maritime, a US-based defense manufacturer, has developed Sea Tracker, a modular anti-submarine warfare (ASW) system housed in a standardized 20-foot ISO container. Designed for uncrewed and non-traditionally crewed platforms, Sea Tracker delivers frigate-grade submarine detection capabilities, enhancing situational awareness and preparedness in complex maritime environments. This innovation aims to help the US Navy and its allies effectively track and counter increasingly stealthy and long-range submarines deployed by rivals such as China and Russia. The need for advanced submarine detection is critical due to the evolving underwater threats posed by nuclear submarines, which provide strategic advantages in surprise and intelligence gathering. China and Russia have recently made significant advancements in submarine detection and undersea surveillance technologies, challenging Western naval dominance. Sea Tracker’s modular architecture integrates Ultra Maritime’s suite of towed technologies, including torpedo defense systems and strategic surveillance arrays, enabling rapid deployment and comprehensive tracking and classification of stealthy submarines. Ultra Maritime is collaborating with Canadian defense
robotmaritime-technologyuncrewed-platformsanti-submarine-warfaremodular-systemsdefense-technologysurveillance-systemsSojo Industries raises $40M to scale mobile manufacturing lines - The Robot Report
Sojo Industries, a Bristol, Pennsylvania-based company specializing in advanced robotics, mobile manufacturing, and modular packaging systems for the food and beverage industry, has raised $40 million to expand its operations. Founded in 2021, Sojo aims to scale its Sojo Flight mobile manufacturing lines, enhance its Sojo Shield track-and-trace software platform, and broaden automation across its “atoms to bits” platform. The funding round was led by S2G Investments, a firm focused on sustainable solutions in food, agriculture, oceans, and energy. Sojo’s technology addresses inefficiencies in legacy packaging models by enabling faster, more flexible, and cost-effective production and distribution, particularly for variety-pack products. Sojo Flight offers mobile manufacturing lines that can be deployed and operational within an hour, allowing on-site production that reduces the need for shipping products to separate co-packing facilities. This approach helps brands and manufacturers save significantly on freight and packaging costs while increasing supply chain agility. Additionally, Sojo Shield provides
roboticsmobile-manufacturingautomationpackaging-technologysupply-chain-innovationfood-and-beverage-industrymodular-systemsHEBI Robotics wins RBR50 award for ‘inchworm’ robot family
robotroboticsautomationmodular-systemsinchworm-robotRBR50-awardHEBI-Robotics