Unmanned Systems Technology Dec/Jan 2020 | Phoenix UAS | Sonar focus | Construction insight | InterGeo 2019 | Supacat ATMP | Adelan fuel cell | Oregon tour | DSEI 2019 | Copperstone Helix | Power management focus

3 December/January 2020 | Contents Unmanned Systems Technology | December/January 2020 04 Intro Unmanned systems across all domains are maturing to the point where they can prove their ability to operate safely 06 Platform one: Mission-critical info Autonomous boats given ‘shape-shifting’ ability, Analog Devices working on Lidar-like silicon radar, Siemens takes on autonomous tram deport project, and much more 18 In conversation: John Young The technical director of Drone Evolution bases his engineering philosophy on the KISS principle, as he explains here 22 Dossier: Phoenix UAS This variable-buoyancy craft takes a propulsion principle from the 19th century and marries it with state-of-the art technology 36 Focus: Sonar systems How sonar technology is meeting the growing demand for UUVs to carry out extended missions and at greater depths 44 Insight: Construction Why autonomy looks to be just the thing for an industry that has been beset by poor productivity and safety records 50 Show report: InterGeo 2019 We detail some of the key technology takeaways from this exhibition of geo-information and land management solutions 56 Digest: Supacat hybrid ATMP Details of this UGV for the armed forces, which offers the choice of autonomy or manned/remote operation 62 Dossier: Adelan solid oxide fuel cell If you have a small USV and access to a supply of almost any fuel containing hydrogen, this technology could be for you 70 Report: Oregon tour We take a trip around the Beaver State to get first-hand details of what some of its UAV developers are working on right now 76 Show report: DSEI 2019 Features of the unmanned systems that were on show at this defence and security exhibition 82 In operation: Copperstone Helix Screw propulsion allows this vehicle to traverse and monitor the condition of mine waste dumps. Here’s how it works 88 Focus: Power management systems Safety, reliability and security are the watchwords for power management systems these days. We explain how developers are meeting those requirements 98 PS: Deep learning for autonomy Using multiple sources of data and imitating expert human drivers may be the way forward for high-level ground vehicle autonomy 06 22 56 18 44