OPTIO Range Builds on NERVA Experience

Nexter has developed a wealth of expertise in robotic and unmanned systems through the work of its subsidiary Nexter Robotics and at Eurosatory 2018 in Paris on 11 June unveiled its strategic vision for this branch of the group’s activities.

Design and engineering of robotic platforms and systems for both civil and military applications, a deep well of experience in architecture and weapons integration as well as a history of teleoperation with a wide range of ground vehicles have all played a part in Nexter’s strategy development. This now culminates in the presentation of OPTIO, a new range of tactical robots designed to carry out a variety of missions without exposing dismounted personnel: opening of routes, reconnaissance and observation, logistics or fire support. In parallel with OPTIO, the existing NERVA range of mini-robots continues to expand as it adds new mission modules.

Nexter‘s efforts are focused on increasing the operational relevance of these robotic systems by pursuing three complementary areas of development: versatility and modularity to to make these systems adaptable, thus making the armed forces more responsive to evolving threats; integration of robots and drones into combat vehicles, with a view to creating hybrid manned/unmanned systems; development of supervised autonomy to allow the operator to focus on the core of the tactical mission.

At Eurosatory Nexter showed an armed variant of the OPTIO range, combining a Milrem THeMIS remote control platform and a Nexter remote-controlled 20mm turret. The OPTIO-X20 will help preserve the lives of soldiers in high-intensity combat or when used in a hostile environment, and provide the combat group with observation and fire support resources operated remotely under the control of the human operator. Nexter’s development of innovative intelligent mobility features means that OPTIO-X20 allows the operator to focus on its mission rather than navigation.