TAROS is an unmanned ground platform (UGV) designed for use in environments where human presence may be risky – for example in crisis situations, in the protection of critical infrastructure or in defense applications. “TAROS continues the long-term development of autonomous robotic systems with the aim of verifying their functioning outside of laboratory conditions. The ability to move and make decisions in a changing environment with limited availability of navigation or communication systems is important,” says Prof. Jan Faigl, Head of the Computational Robotics Laboratory (CRL) at the Department of Computer Science at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University. From experiment to real deployment The TAROS platform is being developed by the state-owned enterprise VOP CZ, which ensures its development and production. At the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University, it is used for research in the field of autonomous control, navigation and decision-making algorithms. The platform has gone through several generations – from experimental prototypes to current variants intended for further verification and development. The older version was tested in the context of defense applications, for example, within the framework of projects solved by the research CRL for NATO STO or the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic. “VOP CZ has been developing the TAROS robotic system for more than a decade, and we have been constantly innovating and improving it all this time. Cooperation with CTU in the area of testing autonomous options and scenarios is very stimulating for us, as we will gain knowledge for further innovation from the academic sphere,” said Vlastimil Navrátil, director of VOP CZ. “VOP CZ has a track record of high-quality development of chassis platforms and mechanical systems. Our goal is to further develop these robust platforms towards a higher degree of autonomy and the ability to make independent decisions,” adds Faigl from the Center for Artificial Intelligence.
Unmanned ground systems are developing rapidly across Europe and are gradually moving from testing to real deployment. Taros shows that Czech research and industry are keeping pace in this direction. Autonomy as a key capability An important direction of development of the TAROS platform is autonomy. The vehicle is designed for off-road movement, route planning and task performance with limited need for operator intervention. Methods of perception, decision-making and control are being developed in this area at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering of the Czech Technical University. “It is not just about the vehicle itself, but about the entire system of perception, decision-making and control. We are aiming for the platform to be able to perform tasks with minimal dependence on humans,” says Prof. Jan Faigl. Research with an impact on security The activities of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering of the Czech Technical University related to the TAROS platform are part of the faculty’s broader focus on technologies for defense, security and dual-use applications. “At the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering of the Czech Technical University, we have been developing technologies that have a real impact for a long time – whether in the security field, industry or the civilian sector. TAROS is an example of how cutting-edge research can be connected to specific practical needs,” concludes Prof. Jan Faigl.
Taros 6×6: a modular platform for a wide range of missions The current TAROS 6×6 model was presented at the Defence Research Day, one of two variants of the latest generation (alongside the 4×4 configuration). The platform is designed as a multi-purpose vehicle that can be adapted to a specific mission. Thanks to its modular design, TAROS can perform, for example: reconnaissance and monitoring tasks, logistical operations in the field (e.g. unit supply), evacuation of the wounded (MEDEVAC/CASEVAC scenarios), support of security and rescue forces. The configuration depends on the specific superstructure – from the transport module to specialized systems.
Key features of Taros 6×6 high off-road mobility including wading, advanced autonomous driving and navigation, waterproof design, modularity – possibility of a wide range of superstructures, 4 electric motors (wheel drive), 48V architecture, 4 steering modes (turning) for different types of terrain, hydraulic attachment points for equipment integration. Selected parameters: load capacity: up to 1,000 kg, towing capacity: 750 kg, maximum speed: 10 to 15 km/h depending on the terrain.