SOURCE: AFI
In a significant advancement for India’s unmanned vehicle capabilities, Combat Robotics India has developed a versatile simulator named “Astra,” tailored for Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), Marine Vehicles (both surface and underwater), and Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Supported by the Technology Development Fund (TDF) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Astra simulator has been handed over to DRDO’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), marking a new chapter in India’s indigenous defense technology development.
The Astra simulator is designed to offer a realistic and immersive training environment for operators of unmanned systems across multiple domains—ground, marine, and aerial. This multi-platform capability enables personnel to train and test unmanned vehicles in diverse scenarios without the logistical and safety challenges of real-world deployment. With its advanced simulation software, Astra allows operators to experience conditions that closely mirror actual field environments, thus improving proficiency, decision-making, and operational readiness.
Key Features of the Astra Simulator
Data-Driven Insights for R&D: The Astra simulator captures extensive operational data, which can be leveraged by DRDO’s research and development teams. By analyzing this data, researchers can refine the design, functionality, and efficiency of unmanned vehicles, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the armed forces.
Multi-Domain Capability: The Astra simulator is uniquely designed to support various types of unmanned vehicles, covering UGVs, marine (surface and underwater) vehicles, and UAVs. This flexibility provides a single, cohesive solution that caters to the training needs of all three domains, making it a versatile asset for CAIR and DRDO.
Realistic Scenario Simulation: Astra can replicate complex operational scenarios, from rugged terrain and oceanic conditions to aerial navigation challenges. With its immersive interface, Astra allows operators to gain hands-on experience with unmanned platforms, preparing them for diverse, real-world mission requirements.
AI-Powered Decision Support: Equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, Astra aids in simulating decision-making processes for various unmanned platforms. It provides predictive analysis and potential mission outcomes, thereby enhancing the tactical decision-making skills of operators.
Scalable and Customizable: The simulator is built to be adaptable, allowing it to evolve with technological advances and mission requirements. This scalability ensures that it remains relevant as India’s unmanned vehicle capabilities continue to advance.
The development of Astra marks a significant milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defense technology. With the support of DRDO’s TDF initiative, Combat Robotics India has been able to push the envelope in creating this cutting-edge simulator, which will prove invaluable to the Indian Armed Forces as they increase their reliance on unmanned systems for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations.
By providing advanced simulation capabilities, Astra enables CAIR DRDO to conduct robust training and testing programs for unmanned vehicles, reducing the need for expensive field trials and minimizing wear on actual vehicles. This not only streamlines the training process but also ensures that unmanned systems are thoroughly evaluated under simulated combat scenarios, enhancing mission readiness and operational safety.