By aunav — a registered trademark of EM&E Group for Autonomous Robotic Systems (RAS) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs)
Recent news reports on the inauguration of the first schools dedicated to training operators of unmanned ground platforms confirming the revolution taking place in warfare and the technological evolution of threats.
Despite the wide range of UGVs available today, many fall short when exposed to the real demands of the operational environment.
Too often, the true cost becomes evident only after deployment: operators that must divide their attention between the mission and the robot’s own survival, preventing rollovers, managing instability, avoiding obstacles, or accepting that the platform’s geometry simply does not allow access to the target area.
In these conditions, the defining challenge is not the neutralization of the threat, but the ability to reliably reach it under operational constraints.
AUNAV.BEST: DESIGNED FOR REAL OPERATIONAL DEMANDS
In this context, aunav.BEST, developed by EM&E Group, was conceived as a response to this operational requirement, identified during Army evaluations of unmanned systems intended for frontline deployment, where troop movement is extremely dangerous, particularly due to aerial threats.
Conceived as a medium-heavy, multi-mission UGV, aunav.BEST prioritizes mobility, stability, and adaptability as core design principles. This design approach supports sustained access to the operational area across diverse mission contexts such as EOD/ C-IED / CBRN, C-UAS, force protection, reconnaissance and surveillance, logistical support, or casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), while keeping the platform deployable and manageable, with a weight under 400 kg and an operational range of up to 20 km.
aunav.BEST in EOD / C-IED configuration
LESS COGNITIVE LOAD, GREATER MISSION FOCUS
In high-risk operations, operators should not be focused on how to move the robot, but on what is happening in the environment. To achieve this, aunav.BEST integrates an advanced set of operator-assistance systems:
- Variable-geometry system allowing adjustment of platform width
- Stable center-of-gravity system that maintains the center of gravity in its safest position
- Horizontal platform system with auto-leveling on slopes and uneven terrain
- Stair and ramp climbing mode automatically adapting the flippers
- Out-of-coverage mode with automatic return to signal recovery point
- Autonomous navigation and environment self-discovery, generating real-time 3D maps
- Anti-rollover and anti-collision systems, both against obstacles and self-collision
These features allow the operator to focus fully on the mission, improving decision quality and enhancing execution safety.
ONE PLATFORM, MULTIPLE MISSIONS
One of aunav.BEST’s key strengths is its multi-platform approach, based on mission modules and Plug & Play technology, enabling rapid reconfiguration according to operational needs.
- EOD / C-IED / CBRN Missions
For explosive ordnance disposal and CBRN environments, aunav.BEST incorporates a 7-degree-of-freedom electric robotic arm with a lifting capacity exceeding 150 kg, integrated weight measurement, and specialized sensors. This configuration enables identification, manipulation, and neutralization tasks while keeping the operator outside the danger zone.
aunav.BEST in EOD / C-IED / CBRN configuration
- Force Protection Missions
In force protection and direct support missions, aunav.BEST can integrate the GUARDIAN ASPIS® remote weapon station, featuring dual stabilization in elevation and azimuth, and compatible with 5.56 mm or 7.62 mm caliber weapons. This system provides deterrence, coverage, and remote fire capabilities, protecting critical sectors without exposing personnel.
aunav.BEST in Force Protection configuration
- Logistical Support and CASEVAC Missions
For logistical support and casualty evacuation, the platform can be configured with a logistics basket carrying up to 300 kg with integrated weight detection, as well as an evacuation stretcher. This setup enables resupply of high- risk areas and casualty evacuation without compromising force safety.
aunav.BEST in Logistical Support configuration
aunav.BEST in CASEVAC configuration
- C-UAS Missions
In response to the proliferation of drones and UAS, aunav.BEST can integrate a ground surveillance radar, providing active detection capabilities from a mobile platform. Its repositioning capability and networked operation with other UGVs enable the creation of distributed detection systems with 360° panoramic coverage and enhanced operational survivability.
aunav.BEST in C-UAS configuration
MULTIPLE INTEGRATED COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
To ensure operational continuity in complex environments, communication range can be extended via UAV-based relays in addition to RF links.
As an alternative or complement, the UGV can be equipped with a Kevlar-reinforced fiber-optic reel of up to 10 km, providing a highly reliable, interference-resistant link, recommended to maximize mission autonomy.
LOW LOGISTIC FOOTPRINT, EASY TRANSPORTABILITY
Designed with logistical constraints in mind, aunav.BEST minimizes deployment burden through optimized weight and compact dimensions.
The platform can be transported on a trailer compatible with light military vehicles, enabling rapid, flexible deployment across diverse operational scenarios.
ONE PLATFORM. MULTIPLE CAPABILITIES
In an unpredictable operational environment, the true advantage lies in having a system capable of adapting to any scenario, integrating multiple capabilities into a single platform, and reducing operator workload.
With aunav.BEST, the combination of autonomy, versatility, and technological support extends operational reach, improves personnel safety, and ensures effectiveness even in the most demanding scenarios. ■
Ana Citoler – Product Manager at aunav by EM&E
ABOUT EM&E GROUP
EM&E Group is a leading Spanish group in the engineering and manufacturing of complex Defense and Security systems, distinguished by its high investment in innovation, its commitment to job creation, and the development of dual technologies, with a special interest in incorporating AI into its solutions. The group’s systems include remote land and naval stations, ammunition guidance systems, electro-optical surveillance sensors, and robotic systems, among others. In addition, the group has a subsidiary, EM&E Electronics, focused on developing electronics and photonics. With solutions in more than 25 countries, EM&E Group posted a turnover of over €355 million in 2024 and currently employs over 1,700 people. Find out more at: https://eme-es.com/
Download PDF: 41-45 AUNAV article – COUNTER-IED REPORT, Winter 2026