Developers of wireless power solutions for robotics, Quaze Technologies is working with Rheinmetall Canada to progress the Drone Swarm Tactical OverWatch (DSTOW™) from concept stage to product development.
Following a successful joint demonstration showcasing the DSTOW capability at DSEI 23, Quaze and Rheinmetall Canada have now elevated their collaboration, moving the DSTOW remote charging capability from a compelling concept to a fully operational product.
Mounted on the Rheinmetall Mission Master CXT Uncrewed Ground System (UGS), the DSTOW capability will see Quaze integrate its wide-surface wireless power transfer technology, realizing autonomous drone operations.
Supported by Quaze Surface Power, the latest iteration of DSTOW provides an innovative autonomous operational solution. It is a gateway to sustained autonomy in surveillance and reconnaissance, reducing the human-machine ratio while bolstering the productivity and safety of soldiers. The ability to charge multiple drones simultaneously and wirelessly is set to mark a significant leap in operational efficiency and endurance.
Quaze Surface Power transfer charges any robotic system in land, air and sea domains. The solution is able to cater to diverse power needs simultaneously, without the need for precise alignment. Its application beyond drone operations, to remove human intervention from recharging robots on the battlefield, will potentially be shaped by DSTOW.
The Quaze and Rheinmetall Canada partnership is aimed at responding to the changing landscape of warfare brought about by the proliferation of drone technology. Quaze state that its Surface Power Technology, with magnetic resonance capabilities, now stands at the forefront of the defense industry’s push towards untethered, cable-free power solutions.
Quaze add that, since its introduction at DSEI 23, DSTOW has captured the attention of defense specialists and technologists alike. The DSTOW promises a new era of persistent, autonomous surveillance and target acquisition. The forward-thinking demonstrator is now set to become an integral part of defense capabilities, enhancing the operational effectiveness of military forces globally.
Xavier Bidaut, CEO of Quaze Technologies commented; “This contract is a significant milestone for us at Quaze and we are proud to have the opportunity to continue building upon our successful collaboration with Rheinmetall Canada.
“Developing the capability to access energy, agnostic of vehicle or platform, and removing the requirement to return to the pilot to recharge, means the potential autonomous applications in defence are vast – and DSTOW™ is leading the way.”
Alain Tremblay, VP of Business Development and Innovation at Rheinmetall Canada, added; “We are delighted to sign this contract with Quaze Technologies to continue developing a pioneering technology and bring a product to market that delivers autonomous and continuous drone operations. It is a ground-breaking technology that will revolutionize the deployment of drones and both parties are committed to unlocking its true potential.”
