CANSEC 2026

The Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre is working with the Land Autonomy program at Defence Research and Development Canada to advance robotic and autonomous systems for the Canadian Armed Forces. These systems help accelerate the adoption of new technologies that support military operations. Modern military operations increasingly depend on robotic and autonomous systems, such as unmanned ground and aerial vehicles, to work effectively in complex, contested and GPS-limited environments.

In the initial phase of this collaboration, the focus is on how unmanned ground and aerial vehicles can work together to improve perception and navigation capabilities. For example, the sensor cube shown below is a ready-to-deploy model of how a ground robot perceives its surroundings. This initiative showcases how robotic and autonomous systems can enhance the Canadian Armed Forces' operational effectiveness and reduce risk to personnel.

As drones become more common in our skies, the need for reliable detection systems has never been greater. Traditional detection methods such as radar, radio frequency and acoustic sensing can struggle in complex environments such as cities and forests, where clutter and obstacles cause false or missed detections.

To address this challenge, researchers from our Digital Technologies Research Centre and Defence Research and Development Canada developed WASP, a passive optical approach for counter unmanned aerial systems. The technology identifies drones by their optical propeller signatures instead of relying on large image databases or active signals.

The Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering Research Centre leverages its world-class facilities and decades of expertise in integrating physical and virtual testing to optimize the performance and safety of the Canadian defence fleet. From simulating extreme sea states and marine conditions in our facilities to leveraging digital twin technology to predict vessel performance in ice-covered waters, it ensures Canada's defence marine assets are mission-ready for harsh Arctic environments.

One example is the Ice management desktop simulator, co-developed with Virtual Marine. This portable training and demonstration platform helps operators understand how vessels behave in Arctic ice conditions using high-fidelity models developed through Canadian research. It simulates complex ice-to-ice and vessel-to-ice interactions and integrates real technologies such as the Rutter Sigma S6 ice radar.

The system allows crews to train for Arctic conditions—including pack ice, first-year and multi-year ice, icebergs and icebreaking scenarios—through programs aligned with Transport Canada Polar Code training. It also supports research and testing, including digital twin work of the Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels.

The research centre is also advancing next-generation advanced materials and manufacturing technologies that strengthen Canada's defence, security and dual-purpose capabilities. Our researchers develop adaptable, multifunctional systems that improve safety, performance and reliability in the most demanding environments.

Lightweight, flexible sensors built with nanoscale structures detect airborne and waterborne threats and can be reprogrammed through software—no hardware changes required. These sensors monitor heart rate, breathing and sweat chemistry to support real-time health assessment and performance optimization for personnel in training or operational environments.

By combining electrochemical sensors with mid and far-infrared laser technologies, our research allows for uncrewed systems to remotely detect gases, chemicals and biological compounds. This extends mission range while keeping personnel safe.

Advanced additive manufacturing produces lighter, smarter components, such as lattice structures that reduce vibration and embedded electronics that integrate power and data transfer directly into structural and other components.

Carbon nanotube fabrics add flexibility, conductivity and electromagnetic shielding to next-generation systems. Demonstrated in flight control surfaces that prevent ice buildup, these materials and coatings enable uncrewed and electromechanical platforms to operate reliably in Arctic and cold-weather conditions—delivering more capable and dependable defence technologies.