Description: An unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) is a robotic system designed to operate on the ground without direct human intervention. These vehicles are equipped with advanced technology that allows them to navigate, make decisions, and perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously. UGVs can vary in size and shape, from small exploration robots to larger vehicles used in various applications such as industrial, agricultural, or military settings. Their design includes sensors, cameras, and communication systems that enable them to interact with their environment and collect real-time data. Robotics applied to these vehicles has advanced significantly, allowing them to be used in a variety of environments, from rugged terrains to urban areas. The relevance of UGVs lies in their ability to perform tasks that are dangerous or difficult for humans, improving efficiency and safety in numerous applications. Furthermore, their development continues to drive research in artificial intelligence and navigation technologies, opening new possibilities for their use in the future.
History: Unmanned ground vehicles have their roots in the 1960s when robotic systems were developed for military applications. One of the earliest examples was ‘Shakey’, a robot created by the Stanford Research Institute in 1966, which could navigate its environment and perform simple tasks. Over the decades, technology has evolved, and in the 1990s, UGVs began to be used in military operations, such as reconnaissance and bomb disposal. With advancements in sensor technology and artificial intelligence in the 21st century, UGVs have become more sophisticated and versatile, finding applications in various fields including agriculture, mining, and space exploration.
Uses: Unmanned ground vehicles are used in a wide variety of applications. In the military sector, they are employed for reconnaissance missions, bomb disposal, and logistics. In agriculture, they are used for planting, crop monitoring, and collecting soil data. In industry, UGVs can perform inspection and maintenance tasks in hazardous environments, such as chemical plants or oil rigs. Additionally, their uses are being explored in planetary exploration and search and rescue operations in disaster situations.
Examples: Examples of unmanned ground vehicles include the ‘PackBot’, used by military forces for bomb disposal, and the ‘Agricultural UGV’, which is employed in agriculture for crop monitoring. Another example is the ‘Mars Rover’, which has been used by NASA to explore the surface of Mars and collect scientific data.
