Autonomy levels

The 'AS2 Systems Ltd' C2 is available in three levels of Autonomous Remote Control (ARC).
In all three levels of ARC, the operator has a live video feed from the cameras on the vehicle. This can be a single PTZ camera or multiple fixed cameras, for situational awareness.


ARC Level 1
ARC Level 1 provides base levels of control & telemetry for the vehicle. It is intended for situations requiring human input with no autonomous features.

The concept is to provide a human operator with the ability to remotely control & monitor the vital systems of a vehicle, as if driving the vehicle normally. Without a human in the vehicle, it can operate in hazardous environments.

By providing an optional small plug in control console, we can allow an approved operator to take local control of the vehicle; useful for testing, maintenance or parking operations.

A core part of our system functionality is the in-built safety system. This will configure the vehicle into a safe & neutral state in the unlikely event of critical electronic component failure. The safety systems are an integral part of the electronics and will be described in further detail later on.

Vehicle performance & sensor telemetry is presented to the operator in near-real-time at the GCS via the map display & status console, which is a graphical user interface visually presenting position data, waypoint information, system health, communication quality and a plethora of additional parameters specific to the platform.

ARC Level 1 is the foundation of all other features & functions present on the vehicle, it consists of the core elements required for vessel control & remote operation. ARC Level 2 & ARC Level 3 add additional smart and autonomous features by building on this core system, these will be described in the sections below.


ARC Level 2
ARC Level 2 adds many additional features, including basic autonomy to the vehicle. This additional functionality is detailed in the list below.

Auto Helm, Auto Throttle & Course Bearing Select
Automatic helm control is desirable for periods that do not require a regular change of course.
Selecting ‘Auto Helm’ mode will allow the C2 system to maintain steering control on a fixed heading. In addition, throttle/speed control can be set to automatically maintain a desired speed. This feature allows the operator time to momentarily focus on other tasks during periods where there are no immediate obstacles or threats in the area.

Depending on desired system configuration, the C2 system can maintain the vehicle on a desired ‘magnetic’ or ‘true’ bearing. The desired heading can be set via a selector control dial or a touch-screen interface in the Ground Control Station (GCS.) Heading information would be derived from either the onboard magnetometer or Course over Ground (CoG) data, taken from the vehicle’s GPS module.

Automatic throttle operates by increasing or decreasing the engine power automatically to maintain a target speed for the vehicle. The desired throttle/speed can be set via the touch screen interface, as described above.

This speed information would rely either on the vessels GPS providing accurate Speed over Ground (SoG) or input from a mechanical speed sensor, such as a magnetic or optical sensor type.


ARC Level 3
Waypoint Navigation
Waypoint navigation is a common feature on boats. It is equally useful on vehicles, where a predetermined route can be uploaded
to the system memory. This allows the operator to simply monitor the live video feed, for obstacles / threats. The waypoints are
chosen and entered into the system memory via numerical keypad, either physical or presented on a touch screen giving very
accurate locations.

If accuracy is less important, the operator can simply scroll a cursor across the map screen and select a location, with a single ‘button’ push. The selected location is automatically saved to system memory and will display on the ‘waypoint list,’ on the left side of the map navigation screen.

The basic waypoint navigation system allows for 1000 waypoints. This is expandable.
Upon reaching the final waypoint, the vehicle will automatically throttle down and stop. Waypoint following can be suspended or disengaged at any time.


Automatic Return to Home or Last Known Good Comms
In the event of lost radio communication, the C2 system can autonomously ‘retrace its steps’ to find the location of last known good comms. In addition, or as an alternative configuration, the C2 system can return to a pre-programmed ‘home’ position. This functionality is fully customizable.


“Follow me” Intelligent Convoy Application
This useful feature allows a UGV to follow a ‘lead’ vehicle, at a fixed or variable distance, matching the speed and course headings of the lead vehicle.


Configurable System Settings
Multiple system parameters relating to waypoint navigation, can be dynamically set by the operator, via the touchscreen interface.

These can optionally include:
-Waypoint arrival radius:
This setting allows the vehicle to start turning towards the next waypoint,
for example, slightly before reaching the precise location of waypoint 1,
the vehicle starts to turn towards waypoint 2.

-Speed to waypoint:
The UGV can be set to travel at a fixed speed between waypoints

-Course settings:
The UGV can be set to navigate waypoints in preset configurations.

Examples include:
- Navigate waypoints in reverse i.e. return along the same path.
- Continuously ‘loop’ the course, i.e. return to the first waypoint and navigate the entire waypoint course again.


Control via SBD Satellite Radio
Upon loss of radio communication, data can be sent to and from the C2 system via satellite short burst data. This allows the operator to change the above configurations and view the status of on-board systems. The satellite link is a very robust communication channel, using the Iridium satellite network. and should be available at all times. The satellite link employs very low data rates and is not suitable for video.

Command and Control Capabilities

The AS2 Systems proprietary electronics and software incorporate essential performance criteria including:

• RF communication, optimised for range and integrity.
• High speed data transfer for maximum responsiveness.
• Real-time, low latency control and telemetry.
• Offline maps.
• Fail-safe procedures in the event of lost comms.

Unmanned Ground Vehicle

Several different C2 system configurations are available for Unmanned Ground Vehicles with a range of
unique features available for each.

There are likely to be two mechanical configurations utilized in a UGV:

1. A retrofit System
In this scenario, an existing vehicle is retrofitted with control hardware and sensors, to activate existing hardware, such as steering and throttle controls etc. This can consist of hydraulic controllers, electric actuators, servos etc. The AS2 Systems C2 handles the two-way data communications between the vehicle and the remote Ground Control Station (GCS).

2. Hybrid Electric System
A hybrid electric variant would most likely require a ‘new build’. The vehicle is powered by two or more powerful electric motors instead of a conventional petrol or diesel engine. This requires a bank of large capacity batteries and an on-board generator, preferable Diesel.

This variant has several advantages:

• Electric motors provide extremely high torque to the driving wheels.
• Extremely high maneuverability in steering
• Availability of a “silent running’ mode – useful in military applications
• Lower maintenance due to less mechanical moving parts.
• Simplified, lower cost C2 setup

Ground Control Station

Remote control of a UGV is normally conducted from a Ground Control Station (GCS). The GCS can be housed in a permanent structure, such as a building, or can be located in a mobile structure, such as a trailer or truck.

In a mobile GCS scenario, the controls and monitor screens can be mounted in a fixed console within the trailer/truck or housed in a moveable carrier, such as a pelican case. This offers further flexibility by allowing the end user to quickly relocate the primary controls to an alternative location.

Control of primary functions, such as steering, brake and throttle, for example, can be assigned to Joysticks or steering wheel, in addition to a throttle lever or foot pedal.

Control of secondary functions, such as waypoint navigation, mode selection, lighting control etc. can be assigned to touchscreen control or physical buttons, to suit client preferences. Multiple screens can be added for additional situational awareness or multi user functionality. It is usual to have a separate driver and navigator setup.