ELECTRO-OPTICS FOR UGV PLATFORMS
Rugged, integration-ready imaging systems for uncrewed ground vehicles – supporting navigation, surveillance, and remote operation in any environment.
Battle-Proven Sensor Systems for UGV Integration
From thermal and low-light imaging to SWIR and multispectral configurations, our systems are designed for reliable performance, low-latency video, and flexible integration.
Local Situational Awareness & Driver Vision Enhancement
CST brings proven vehicle-vision concepts to unmanned platforms -enhancing near-field awareness and safe navigation in demanding conditions.
LSAS (Local Situational Awareness): Enables 360° near-field awareness using rugged low-light day/night and thermal cameras. LSAS improves operator understanding of the UGV’s surroundings and supports real-time video distribution for mission systems and control stations.
DVE (Driver Vision Enhancement): Optimized for operation in degraded visual environments such as darkness, smoke, sand, dust, and fog. DVE leverages thermal imaging and flexible video layouts – helping operators navigate and make decisions with confidence.
Integration-ready architecture: Standardized system design and interface flexibility enable smooth integration into UGV payloads, remote operator stations, and broader mission networks.
Why Electro-Optics Matter for UGV
UGVs operate close to obstacles, in dust, darkness, and complex terrain – where camera performance and reliability directly impact mission success. CST electro-optics provides:
- Day/night visibility for remote driving and observation
- All-weather capability for degraded visual environments
- Reliable targeting/inspection imagery at short-to-mid range
- Low-latency video outputs for responsive teleoperation
Capabilities at a Glance
High-Resolution Visibility in Low-Light Conditions
Dual‑Spectrum Capability
– Combines visible and NIR sensors for improved image clarity in low-light or nighttime environments
High-Fidelity Detail
– Supports accurate object recognition and tracking, enhancing situational awareness
Seamless Integration –
Compatible with CST’s sensor fusion platforms, enabling NIR + thermal or visible video overlay
Short-wave infrared – Detection of difficult-to-spot drones in fog, haze, and glare.
Short-wave infrared (SWIR) imaging (0.9–1.7 µm) penetrates visual obstructions, such as fog, smoke, and haze, making it ideal for detecting airborne threats in degraded environments.
Dual‑Spectrum Capability
– Combines visible and SWIR sensors for improved image clarity in low-light or nighttime environments
Sees Through Fog, Smoke & Haze
– Detects reflected SWIR light to reveal targets invisible to visible or thermal cameras.
Low-Light & Covert Operation
– Functions in total darkness with passive or laser-assisted (invisible) illumination.
Material Discrimination
– Identifies contrasts in camouflage, coatings, and fabrics – useful in defense, surveillance, and inspection missions.
Thermal Imaging
Reliable heat-based tracking for day, night, and degraded environments
LWIR (8–14 µm)
Excellent for passive detection in low-light or no-light conditions
Uses uncooled microbolometers — rugged, compact, and cost-effective
Ruggedized & Open-Frame Systems
Guaranteed Longevity & Reliability
Fully sealed systems designed for extreme conditions and continuous operation
Up to 20 years of operational lifespan for defense and industrial applications
Best-in-Class Boresight Precision
Down to 0.1 mrad accuracy throughout the zoom axis
Stable performance from –40 °C to +70 °C, even under recoil and vibration
Flexible Integration – Rugged or Open-Frame
Choose between ruggedized housings or compact open-frame modules
Ideal for turret systems, pan/tilt units, mobile platforms, or embedded system builds
H.264 Streaming – Direct IP-video delivery for faster system integration.
Our cameras support H.264 streaming over Ethernet, eliminating the need for external encoders and simplifying integration.
CVAK
Compact Vision & Awareness Kit 
Modular vision and awareness kit for UGVs & manned vehicles
Rugged EO/IR Camera Systems for UGV Platforms
SPECTREL SWIR FHD 220
Coming Soon
SPECTREL FHD 360
Coming Soon
Let’s configure the right UGV optics
Talk to CST about a camera package tailored to your UGV platform and mission profile.
