Vector UAVs in Ukraine start using artificial intelligence sensors

16 July, 2024 Vector UAV visual surveillance sensor. Image: Quantum-Systems Ukraine's Vector reconnaissance drones have started to be equipped with artificial intelligence sensors.

The German company Quantum-Systems, which manufactures these UAVs, reported this on its official website. The update improves optical navigation, automatic object detection, and identification. The company said that an updated AI Receptor sensor with artificial intelligence (AI) has been launched on Vector drones in Ukraine.

The new update package is based on Nvidia's Jetson Orin chip and several sensors. This update enables optical navigation day and night and in low visibility conditions, as well as automated object recognition and identification using artificial intelligence.

The Vector UAV's visual surveillance sensor. Photo credits: Quantum-Systems

This update of Quantum Systems offers an additional option for positioning reconnaissance drones in the absence of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal.

Object recognition by the Vector UAV visual surveillance sensor.

Image: Quantum-Systems

The module is being tested and developed at the company's recently opened development site in Ukraine. Quantum-Systems explained that Receptor AI provides autonomous flight at night and in bad weather thanks to infrared visual navigation. The technology of object sensors has also been significantly improved.

It is noted that hardware and software updates now allow for better object detection, classification, identification, and tracking. "We are implementing the upgrade without any weight changes and with the same range," Daniel Kneifel, Director of Software Development at Quantum-Systems, says.

UAV Vector de Quantum Systems

The update is being implemented without any major changes to the existing platform architecture. Quantum-Systems' Vector medium-range drones have been in operation in Ukraine since May 2022.

The German government funds their supply to the Ukrainian army.