Comparative Analysis of the Technical and Operational Development of Unmanned Ground Vehicles Worldwide

Abstract

Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) are one of the most prominent elements of the technological revolution that has been occurring in the defense sector over the past few years. The advent of asymmetric warfare, high-risk operational areas and the requirement for air platforms to operate with low human numbers has fueled the evolution of ground platforms for a variety of mission profiles. This study explores the different types of UGVs developed by countries in recent years based on technical and structural aspects. The mission types, locomotion configurations, power train systems, dimensions, weights, maximum speeds and operational endurance of the vehicles were comparatively evaluated. Platforms of the UGVs that are produced in some countries such as the United States, Germany, China, Russia, Estonia, Ukraine, Serbia and Türkiye were analyzed in this study. The results showed that for small-scale reconnaissance and surveillance vehicles, electric powered, lightweight wheeled systems are the predominant choice while heavy-duty vehicles such as assault and logistics vehicles are mostly hybrid or diesel powered tracked. The use of hybrid propulsion systems has increased due to the need for longer endurance and greater payload capacity for operational requirements. It was also found that there are big differences between the development methods of different countries. Where the United States is interested in platforms that are modular and can be adapted to specific missions, Russia is interested in heavily armed combat systems. China, on the other hand, concentrates on product diversity and cost-effective solutions. Türkiye has made outstanding strides in the development of medium and heavy class UGVs fitted with hybrid propulsion systems, assault and reconnaissance capabilities, and logistics capabilities, since 2018. The study finds that UGVs are progressing from remotely operated systems to artificial intelligence powered, modular, low-signature, multi-mission autonomous systems. Moreover, it is projected that swarm technologies, human–unmanned teaming, artificial intelligence-driven decision-making processes and hybrid energy technologies will be major contributors to the future designs and capabilities of UGVs.