Digital Concepts Engineering Ltd

Since 2017, Digital Concepts Engineering have been developing and deploying solutions directly related to the conversion of vehicles and platforms to remote control, and are regarded as global leaders in Uncrewed Vehicle technology. Using our own high reliability, low latency control system, MarionetteTM, we have successfully converted a range of legacy platforms, including Armoured Fighting Vehicles such as FV510 Warrior, the US HMMWV, assorted trucks, 4x4s, 6 and 8 wheeled platforms, bomb disposal robots and bespoke uncrewed vehicles. Once converted, these platforms can be driven manually by an operator, either from within the vehicle or remotely, or via an AI interface, allowing autonomous operations. MarionetteTM is essentially a toolbox of vehicle or payload interface modules, controlling the engine, transmission, steering, braking, and other vehicle functions along with a variety of payloads, from digital sensors to hydraulic manipulators. This allows extremely rapid vehicle conversions, down to around six weeks from vehicle arrival in our workshops. MarionetteTM can also be used to replace or upgrade obsolete control systems, extending the life of otherwise solid platforms, as demonstrated on the Wheelbarrow EOD robots. Recent work has focused on reducing round-trip control system latency to levels that facilitate high speed teleoperation (100kph), developing a universal control interface that can be used by human or AI controller, and study and development of alternative communications (radio and Free Space Optics) specifically for control of UGVs, along with First Person View (FPV) control at high speeds. DCE also design and manufacture our own range of UGVs. Called “X-Series” these platforms range from 300kg and come in many variants, including reconnaissance, carriage, and fully submersible “bottom crawlers”. They are powerful, reliable, and cost effective, and have been used in several defence, agriculture, and nuclear decommissioning roles.