REX 16-Robotic Exercises 2016 Multi-robot field trials

Abstract

Nowadays, one of the problems associated with Unmanned Systems is the gap between research community and end-users. In order to emend this problem, the Portuguese Navy Research Center (CINAV) conducts the REX 2016 (Robotic Exercises). This paper describes the trials that were presented in this exercise, divided in two phases. The first phase happened at the Naval Base in Lisbon, with the support of divers and RHIBs (Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats), and the second phase, also with divers' support, at the coast of Lisbon-Cascais. It counted with many participants and research groups, including INESC-TEC, UNINOVA, TEKEVER and UAVISION. There are several advantages of doing this exercise, including for the Portuguese Navy, but also for partners. For the Navy, because it is an opportunity of being in contact with recent market technologies and researches. On the other hand, it is an opportunity for the partners to test their systems in a real environment, which usually is a difficult action to accomplish. Therefore, the paper describes three of the most relevant experiments: underwater docking stations, UAV and USV cooperation and Tracking targets from UAVs.