Ukraine's Vector Drones Enhanced with AI Sensors for Reconnaissance

Quantum-Systems, a German UAV manufacturer, has announced that its Vector reconnaissance drones in Ukraine are now equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) sensors.

This update enhances the drones' optical navigation, automatic object detection, and identification capabilities.

The AI Receptor sensor upgrade is powered by Nvidia’s Jetson Orin chip and includes several new sensors. These improvements enable the drones to navigate effectively day and night, even in low visibility conditions, without relying on a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal. The AI-driven technology allows for autonomous flight in adverse weather, using infrared visual navigation.

Quantum-Systems is testing and developing this update at their newly opened development site in Ukraine. The enhancements in hardware and software significantly improve the drones' ability to detect, classify, identify, and track objects.

"We are implementing the upgrade without any weight changes and with the same range," said Daniel Kneifel, Director of Software Development at Quantum-Systems, adding that the update does not alter the existing platform architecture.

The German government funds the supply of Quantum-Systems’ Vector medium-range drones to the Ukrainian army, which has been using them since May 2022.