Defense & Security
Towards continuously accelerating reinforcement of the autonomous fleet.
We focus on the reinforcement of the autonomous fleet.
Smart missions in 4D environments
Many missions are ‘Dull, Dirty, Dangerous and Dear’. They are extremely stressful for the people involved.
Our technologies enable autonomous systems, such as drones, UXVs and microfactories that perform tasks (semi-)autonomously. Operations run smoothly, effectively and resiliently thanks to the continuous OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act).
Strong life cycle management at fleet level
Drones and fleets operating in challenging and risky environments collect indispensable data and insights. This makes each new innovation cycle stronger and faster.
Thanks to our technology for digital end-to-end fleet life cycle management, collaboration, interaction and optimisation span all phases of the fleet life cycle. This strengthens each subsequent cycle – both in terms of performance and lead time.
Autonomous hybrid fleet
Modern fleets combine drones for land, sea, air, space and cyberspace – often from multiple generations, which adds extra complexity.
Our teaming technology allows systems and agents to work together seamlessly to achieve common goals.
Distributed microfactories
At the front line, the supply of new systems and components is not always feasible. That is why optimal (re)use of locally available resources is crucial.
Our technologies for distributed microfactories offer a solution to this problem. They enable a network of geographically dispersed, small-scale (mobile) autonomous facilities specialising in local production, maintenance and ReX (repair/refresh/remanufacture) of high-mix, low-volume systems.
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CCO at Flanders Make
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Our vision and context
Hybrid autonomous fleets for every missions
Hybrid fleets of autonomous drones can operate (semi-)autonomously in difficult, unstructured environments. Not only during conflicts, but also beforehand during prospecting and afterwards during demilitarisation.
As defence technology is rapidly shifting towards greater autonomy, these fleets are continuously being renewed and deployed with shorter life cycles. It is therefore crucial to accelerate innovation at fleet level. This will make missions with hybrid autonomous fleets more resilient and effective.
Towards autonomous defense fleets with ever shorter life cycles.
Design & Build
Systems are designed (semi-)autonomously and produced locally in autonomous microfactories, fully tailored to specific conditions and requirements.
Operation
As part of an integrated system-of-systems fleet, these systems operate (semi-)autonomously in all domains: land, air, sea, space and cyberspace. They perform a wide range of tasks, from intelligence gathering to (re)production.
ReX
Autonomous microfactories repair, upgrade and remanufacture systems completely independently, ensuring that their value is retained and their operational availability is maximised.
Smart technologies for defense & security
Situational and self-awareness technologies
To identify, interrogate, and evaluate both environmental conditions and system states.
Robotics, sensors and actuators
Improving the core components of robotics and smart machines.
Reasoning and Acting Technologies
For intelligent decision-making and the orchestration of (autonomous) actions.
System-of-Systems Technologies
For a seamless interaction, coordination, and efficiency across complex industrial environments.
Unique testing infrastructure
Additive manufacturing
Open and modular additive manufacturing platforms for research into the 3D production process.
Testing of mechanical connections and joining techniques.
For lighter, stronger products through optimised and automated joining processes.
Battery testing lab
For performance, ageing, and fast-charging tests to support optimal battery development for electrified applications.
Drivetrain testing
For hardware-in-the-loop and system-level testing to analyse and optimise the performance, durability, and efficiency of electric drivetrains and their components.
Testing electr(on)ic components
For mechanical and thermal tests of electr(on)ic components.
Testing physical and physiological stress
For mechanical and thermal tests of electr(on)ic components.
Make Lab
Mobile research lab filled to the brim with cutting-edge technology.
Testing of polymers
Lab for product and raw material testing and polymer material identification.
Manufacturing metrology lab
To ensure product quality and precision through advanced 3D measurement, surface analysis, and dimensional verification.
Autonomous vehicles for sensor testing
For testing of sensors and algorithms used in autonomous vehicles.
Testing of fatigue, failures and damage mechanics of components
For maximum durability, safety, and performance through advanced fatigue, fracture, and vibration analysis.
Development and prototyping of photonic components
State-of-the-art pilot line for freeform optics.
Vehicle testing
4-poster and climate chamber for vehicle (component) testing.
Digital model-based factory design and control processes
Digital Twin control room for digital models of factory designs and control processes.
Motor Testing
For realistic and flexible testing of electric motors to optimise efficiency, durability, and control through advanced thermal analysis and lifetime prediction.
Mechanical Component Testing
For material- and system-level validation to optimise durability, efficiency, and reliability of components and drivetrains.
Robot gripper technologies
For the selection, development, and optimisation of customised grippers, robot tooling, and sensor technology.
