Teledyne FLIR Defense and Emesent are unveiling a new integrated uncrewed solution at the Modern Day Marine 2026 (MDM) expo in Washington, DC, for troops to safely inspect contested and sensitive locations, even in GPS-denied environments. FW MAG spoke with Stefan Hrabar, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Emesent, and Chris Brown, Director of Strategic Initiatives for Teledyne FLIR Defense Unmanned Systems-North America, about what this partnership means and why the US Marines Corps and other services should be interested in it.
At its core, the integrated solution entails installing Emesent’s Hovermap LiDAR Payload on Teledyne FLIR’s SKYRANGER R70 or R80D SKYRAIDER uncrewed aerial systems (UASs), the SUGV 325 small uncrewed ground vehicle, or radiation detection platforms like the MUVE R430. Hovermap is designed for recording and 3D mapping in GPS-denied locations, such as tunnels, urban structures, or areas contaminated with chemical, biological, radioactive, or nuclear (CBRN) materials. Hovermap uses the LiDAR-based Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) software.
In an exclusive conversation with FW MAG, the representatives from both companies explained the scenarios in which this capability can be useful. For example, troops can send a UGV with the Hovermap into a tunnel to map the structure and locate potential adversaries and other targets. The integrated solution can also be used to identify potential explosives or hazardous materials. “You can send the UGV with the Hovermap ahead of troops to get a full view of the situation and map out the space,” Hrabar explained.
Moreover, the R70 drone can be flown by an operator above the canopy and the rainforest, even at night, and the LiDAR data can be used for mapping and detecting items below the canopy. For example, in South America, troops can use it to locate bases utilized by drug traffickers and narco-insurgents. The integrated solution can also be used for battle-damage assessment in sensitive locations, to detect hazardous materials, and to identify contaminated areas dangerous to troops.
The company's representatives assured FW MAG that the system is easy to use as dismounted troops can send the UGV by operating it via a basic command system. When the UGV (or UAS) returns, the information can be downloaded to a tablet. The software is easy to use, allowing the operator to create real-time 2D/3D maps for navigation and identify targets in real time.
“The operating system is very intuitive,” the company representatives said, and the operating software from the two companies works in harmony. Specifically, the SUGV video is shown in Teledyne’s uPoint app, which drives the robot, while the live Hovermap data is shown in the Emesent Commander app. “Both apps can be run on the same tablet (split screen), or on two separate tablets,” the representatives explained. Moreover, Hovermap LiDAR is easy to install; “it only needs a metal clip for quick installation and a quick release,” Hrabar explained.
Leading up to Modern Day Marine, Teledyne FLIR Defense’s Third-Party Payload Integration Program issued certification for Emesent’s Hovermap LiDAR Payload.
Hovermap has been used commercially since 2019, including for defense services, and Emesent’s Hrabar confirmed that the company is delivering the Hovermap to the US Marine Corps; a delivery was made in January and will be fielded by June. Meanwhile, Teledyne FLIR Defense is a well-known provider of unmanned technology for the US military. Some uncrewed systems have been in operation for 10 years, as software and hardware can be upgraded, the company told FW MAG. What is new is the integration with the SUGV and R70 - there are no customers for the Hovermap on those platforms yet, and the goal during Modern Day Maybe 2026 is to create interest in the joint solution.
Looking to the future, Teledyne FLIR Defense and Emesent aim to further integrate their systems and develop more autonomous solutions. The companies also confirmed that they will participate in the upcoming Special Forces Week and the National Robot Rodeo to showcase the integrated solution to the US Department of War and other potential customers.
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