UNAC, a French defense manufacturer, has been chosen by the DGA to deliver up to 34 explosive ordnance disposal robots to the French Army under the ROBIN program.
This initiative seeks to equip engineering regiments with a robust robotic platform for reconnaissance and operations in high-risk environments. The Gard-based firm won the contract over major land defense competitors such as Arquus, KNDS, and Soframe.
Per DGA specifications, each 1,500-kilogram (3,307-pound) robot must be remotely operable from several hundred meters and include a multifunctional investigation arm capable of lifting 120 kilograms (265 pounds) at 3.8 meters (12 feet). The arm will integrate observation cameras and tools such as a gripper, grid, and air blow gun.
The robot is based on UNAC’s Fardier air-droppable all-terrain vehicle, currently fielded by French airborne and special operations units. The vehicle supports a 900-kilogram (1,984-pound) payload, expandable by 400 kilograms (882 pounds) when using a trailer.
Safran Electronics & Defense will conduct the robotization work, including control systems, human-machine interface, and software integration. UNAC will manage the design, manufacturing, and assembly of the complete platform, arm, tools, and mobility systems, ensuring field commands are executed accurately.
