Applied Intuition UK has secured a contract with the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence and Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) to develop a comprehensive autonomy test bed for ground-launched, near-surface drone swarms. The project, part of Dstl’s “Software Defined Swarms” programme, aims to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced swarming technologies for military applications. The announcement, made on , marks a significant step for Applied Intuition’s expansion into the UK defence market.
The core of the initiative is the creation of a testing environment capable of simulating and evaluating the complex behaviours of drone swarms. This will allow the Ministry of Defence to experiment with different swarming algorithms and strategies in a safe and controlled setting before deploying them in real-world scenarios. The test bed will support both high-fidelity simulation and live flight trials, providing a complete development pipeline for swarming capabilities.
Applied Intuition and the Consortium
Applied Intuition UK will act as the prime contractor for the project, leading a consortium of British companies and academic institutions. The consortium includes Rowden Technologies, Evolve Dynamics, SAIF Autonomy, Frazer-Nash Consultancy, and an unnamed academic partner. This collaborative approach leverages the expertise of various specialists in areas such as drone hardware, software development, and systems integration.
Evolve Dynamics’ WOLFE-NATO platform will serve as the primary uncrewed aerial system (UAS) used within the consortium. This suggests a focus on relatively small, potentially ruggedized drones suitable for near-surface operations. The choice of platform indicates a practical approach to the project, prioritizing readily available technology that can be quickly integrated into the test bed.
Software Defined Swarms and Land Open Systems Architecture
The “Software Defined Swarms” programme emphasizes the importance of software in controlling and coordinating drone swarms. This approach allows for greater flexibility and adaptability, enabling the MOD to rapidly update and modify swarming behaviours without requiring significant hardware changes. The project is designed to align with the MOD’s Land Open Systems Architecture (LOSA), a framework for building interoperable and scalable defence systems. LOSA promotes the use of open standards and modular designs, facilitating the integration of new technologies and reducing vendor lock-in.
Expanding Capabilities and the ’20-40-40′ Priority
Iain Lamont MBE, Head of Applied Intuition UK, highlighted the company’s commitment to building sovereign autonomy capability within the UK. Applied Intuition UK is proud to partner with Dstl and this group of fast-moving SMEs to advance next-generation swarming capabilities,
Lamont said. Our leading simulation platform will enable the British Army to accelerate delivery of its ‘20-40-40′ priority. We are providing a fast, open, and scalable autonomy testbed that will help the MOD learn and deliver at pace while driving growth and investment across the UK.
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The reference to the British Army’s ‘20-40-40’ priority suggests a specific set of goals related to the deployment of autonomous systems. While the exact details of this priority remain undisclosed, it likely refers to targets for increasing the speed of development, reducing costs, and improving the effectiveness of military capabilities. The autonomy test bed is intended to play a key role in achieving these objectives.
Applied Intuition’s Growth and US Roots
Applied Intuition, originally founded in 2017, has rapidly expanded its presence in the autonomous systems market. Initially focused on commercial vehicle autonomy, the company has increasingly shifted its focus towards defence applications. The company’s capabilities encompass both the development of testing and development software for autonomous systems, as well as the autonomy software itself, following its acquisition of EpiSci last year. Applied Intuition has already secured significant contracts in the United States, including a $171 million deal with the DoD’s CDAO to build an all-domain autonomy development and testing platform.
The company’s expansion into the UK, with its first UK office opening in May, demonstrates a strategic move to capitalize on growing demand for autonomous systems in the European defence market. The Dstl contract represents a significant win for Applied Intuition UK, solidifying its position as a key player in the development of cutting-edge swarming technologies. The company’s emphasis on building a sovereign capability in the UK with UK engineers and a UK stack
, as stated by Lamont, underscores its commitment to local development and reducing reliance on foreign technology.
Implications and Future Development
The development of a software-defined swarm test bed has several important implications for the future of military operations. Drone swarms offer the potential to overwhelm enemy defenses, conduct reconnaissance missions in hazardous environments, and perform coordinated attacks with greater precision, and efficiency. However, realizing these benefits requires overcoming significant technical challenges, such as ensuring reliable communication between drones, coordinating their movements, and preventing unintended consequences.
The Dstl contract with Applied Intuition UK represents a crucial step towards addressing these challenges. By providing a dedicated testing environment, the project will enable researchers and engineers to experiment with different swarming algorithms and strategies, identify potential vulnerabilities, and develop robust solutions. The results of this research will likely inform the development of future military systems and contribute to the broader advancement of autonomous technologies.
The initial phase of the contract focuses on delivering the autonomy test bed. Future phases may involve the development of more advanced swarming behaviours, the integration of new sensors and payloads, and the deployment of drone swarms in more complex and realistic scenarios. The project’s success will depend on the continued collaboration between Applied Intuition UK, its consortium partners, and the Ministry of Defence.
