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
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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.

Built for Integrations

CST supports OEMs and system integrators with:

  • Configurable mechanics, optics, electronics, and software
  • Documentation and integration support for system-level deployments
  • Long-term supply and lifecycle stability for defense-grade programs

Let’s configure the right UGV optics

Talk to CST about a camera package tailored to your UGV platform and mission profile.