August 1, 2019 | Local, Aerospace, Land, C4ISR, Security
The takeover of the Canadian company Provectus Robotics Solutions Inc. expands Rheinmetall's technological capabilities in the field of robotics and autonomous driving. In future, both halves of the Group – Automotive and Defence – will benefit from the know-how of the newly acquired robotics specialist. Automation and digitization are among the vital Group-spanning technology clusters which Rheinmetall is systematically working to expand, concentrating knowledge and capacities in order to exploit additional future growth potential.
Effective 1 June 2019, Rheinmetall Canada Inc., a subsidiary of the Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall Group, took over a 100% stake in the Ottawa-based company. Founded in 2010, Provectus Robotics Solutions is a young company specializing in the development of advanced robotic systems and software. Though now owned by Rheinmetall Canada, Provectus will continue to operate under its previous managing director, Paul Rocco.
In recent product presentations, Rheinmetall has generated great interest with its Mission Master unmanned multi-mission vehicle, which is based on Provectus technology, modified for military use by Rheinmetall Canada. Everything points to unmanned ground vehicles playing an increasingly important role in future military operations on land, much like unmanned air vehicles in an aviation context. Some will serve in an unarmed logistic or reconnaissance role; others will function as mobile weapon platforms.
“We have already been working closely with Provectus in our unmanned ground vehicle project. This vertical integration gives us a decisive advantage in the field of autonomous mobility technology", said Stéphane Oehrli, president and CEO of Rheinmetall Canada. “Since this capacity is also a key enabler for the Automotive division, the whole Rheinmetall Group will hence benefit from Provectus' expertise. The automation of other Rheinmetall mobile platforms is actually an innovation we are already thinking of.”
As Paul Rocco from Provectus, explains, “Rheinmetall Canada is the ideal platform for accelerating our growth while simultaneously strengthening our presence in Canada as well as internationally. This is a unique opportunity for the Provectus team to significantly improve our market potential in the world of autonomous driving and to take advantage of new opportunities.”
The buyout is part of Rheinmetall's strategy of positioning itself as a preferred supplier of cutting-edge technology – around the world but particularly in Canada, where the Group is a longstanding, tried-and-tested partner of the country's armed forces.
Rheinmetall is eager to apply expertise from Provectus Robotics Solutions in implementing ISTAR, a major project of the Canadian armed forces now underway. (The acronym ISTAR stands for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance.)
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November 18, 2020 | Local, Naval
Corrosion Detection in Ships Sandbox: Rust Never Sleeps Test your best solutions to find corrosion trouble spots for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). The Corrosion Detection in Ships Sandbox, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is now accepting applications. The Sandbox will take place at the Centre for Ocean Ventures & Entrepreneurship (COVE) facility in Halifax, Nova Scotia in the spring of 2021. Please note that if current COVID restrictions are not lifted in time for the Sandbox to proceed, additional postponement may be required. Participants will get the opportunity to showcase their products in realistic simulations, with successful demonstrations resulting in access to an actual vessel to demonstrate their solution in a real world environment. Apply now to test your technologies at one of the leading collaborative facilities for applied innovation in the ocean sector. The deadline to apply is December 15, 2020. Apply now Test Drives: Bringing a whole new element to the innovation ecosystem With new technology, there is no better way to see if it delivers on its promise then to put it to work. That's why IDEaS will soon be launching Test Drives, an element designed to take a product and put it in the hands of real armed forces members as they put it through its paces. Products will travel through this final stage of the IDEaS innovation pipeline into the real world, unlocking its potential. IDEaS will acquire use of the solutions to be evaluated via a purchase, lease, loan or other arrangement with the innovator. Stay tuned for details! Reminder: CFP4 Call Closing Soon! The deadline to apply for the new Competitive Projects challenges is fast approaching! Don't miss your opportunity to find new ways to support our troops with your logistics solutions, new armour designs and visual and data security. Applications must be submitted by December 10th, 2020. Sincerely, The IDEaS team