France’s DGA has selected UNAC to provide up to 34 explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) robots for its Army as part of the ROBIN program.
ROBIN aims to deliver a heavy robotic system for engineering regiments, enabling reconnaissance and operations in hazardous environments. UNAC, located in Gard, was chosen over several notable defense companies, including Arquus, KNDS, and Soframe.
The DGA tender outlines a 1,500-kilogram (3,307-pound) robot that can be controlled remotely from several hundred meters and features a versatile investigation arm. The arm must lift 120 kilograms (265 pounds) at a height of 3.8 meters (12 feet) and incorporate tools like a gripper, grid, air blow gun, and integrated observation cameras.
The platform leverages UNAC’s Fardier air-droppable all-terrain vehicle, already in service with special forces and airborne units. It has a base payload of 900 kilograms (1,984 pounds), with an additional 400 kilograms (882 pounds) possible when towing a trailer.
Safran Electronics & Defense will lead the robotization process, integrating hardware and software, while UNAC is responsible for the full system design, manufacturing, and assembly, ensuring smooth translation of control inputs into mechanical actions in operational environments.
