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38 T here is perhaps a perception that autonomous unmanned systems require wireless charging. Having to plug in a connector to charge the battery pack has been a major obstacle to overcome for autonomous systems, and wireless is an obvious way to automate the process. However, wireless charging struggles with high power levels, limiting how fast the batteries can charge. Higher power levels mean faster charging, within the limits of temperature, which rises as more current is forced into the battery pack. As a result, more technologies are being developed for wired charging, from UAVs on a landing pad to unmanned ground vehicles in the The answer comes down to the type of unmanned vehicle and what it’s used for, writes Nick Flaherty , who explains what the choices are Wired or wireless? April/May 2022 | Unmanned Systems Technology