Uncrewed Systems Technology 068 June/July 2026

• Intro - In a time of crisis and conflict, it’s reassuring to learn that uncrewed systems can also play major roles in advancing trade, improving living standards and safeguarding ecology and the environment globally
• Platform one: Mission-critical info - Low-power sensors for automotive radar systems, developments in autonomous vehicle platooning, aircraft wings that change shape in flight, AI controllers for aerial microbots, a vectored thrust system for UAVs and more
• In conversation: Michael Robbins - With rapid development of uncrewed systems occurring in many spheres of modern life, the president and CEO of AUVSI talks us through the politics involved in guiding their adoption in both civil and military arenas
• Dossier: BushRanger UAV - Designing UAVs for conservation work in harsh environments demands engineering that can achieve performance highs and cost lows unlike anything seen anywhere else in the world
• Focus: Image sensors - Image sensors are integral to the advancement of uncrewed systems and we examine some of the latest offerings intended to take them to the next level
• In operation: Oxa at the Port of Tyne - Ports represent the nexus of global trade and autonomous vehicles have demonstrated their worth in supporting operations at the Port of Tyne in the UK
• Dossier: FCT Sweden Lamina fuel cell - We delve into how one Swedish company is pushing design and production boundaries in the pursuit of clean, quiet and reliable electric power
• Insight: USVs - With regulatory bodies around the world reassessing operating definitions, permissions and standards, USV manufacturers are poised to fulfil demands for their products, whether civilian or defence in nature
• Report: XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 - At almost twice the size of the inaugural event in 2025, this year’s Xponential Europe showcased many of the latest technologies available to engineers and manufacturers of autonomous solutions
• Focus: Servos - The boom in uncrewed systems, whether driven by conflict or growth in civilian markets, is driving new practices across actuator supply chains, design and engineering
• In operation: Ocean Aero Triton - We examine some of the lessons learned following the deployment of Ocean Aero’s Triton Autonomous Underwater and Surface Vehicle at Gulfport
• PS: Iran’s asymmetric survival strategy - Despite evidence from Ukraine, Iran’s success through placement of low-cost, mass-produced uncrewed aerial and maritime vehicle systems at the heart of its defence strategy has taken some in the West by surprise