Robotic Technology in Military Applications: Insights from Portuguese Navy Research

Robots have been used in a military context for a long time. In recent years, the pace of introducing new systems has increased for several reasons, including the widespread use of robots in civilian applications and the consequent development of a vibrant industrial base. However, adapting robot technology to military applications is not always trivial, and a good interaction between industry and military institutions is key to success. In this paper, we present a review of successful research projects undertaken by our team at the Portuguese Navy (PoN) Research Center in close collaboration with industry. We provide valuable insights that can guide future developments in this field. It is essential to guarantee continuous research and development in the military domain since the obtained knowledge is critical and undoubtedly essential to guide the future. Combining knowledge and capacity for action is crucial for continuously improving robotics, and military robotics is no exception.