Resources / Glossary

UGV and Ground Robotics Glossary

Precise definitions prevent confusion between function, technology, readiness and marketing claims.

UGV means unmanned ground vehicle: a ground platform without a person onboard. Unmanned does not necessarily mean autonomous; the system may be remotely controlled, include defined automated functions or combine modes.

Mission context

ISR means intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; payload is the mission equipment; ICD means interface control document; configuration control manages product versions; recovery retrieves damaged or immobilised equipment.

Engineering approach

HARDY uses functional definitions: name the specific route, control or sensing function and its conditions rather than make a broad “fully autonomous” claim.

What must be demonstrated

A term becomes technically useful when it has context.

  • what the system performs;
  • under which conditions and configuration;
  • how the function was tested and where it stops.

Limits and responsible claims

This glossary does not establish standards or legal definitions. Contracts require an agreed vocabulary and relevant normative documents.

Next step

Send a question if a term should be added.

Ask a question