*Christos Loizou

The French company Shark Robotics showcased the range of unmanned vehicles it manufactures during the Eurosatory 2022 International Defence and Security Exhibition.

The fleet of unmanned multi-purpose vehicles presented by the company serve  various needs in the security and defence sectors such as firefighting and logistic support for the troops. DEFENCE ReDEFiNED visited the company’s booth during Eurosatory and talked with Shark Robotics’ CEO, Mr. Cyril Kabbara, who presented their interesting products (video at the end of the article).

The Barakuda multi-role Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) can support infantry teams in a variety of missions on the modern, highly demanding battlefield. Among other things BARAKUDA is capable of carrying a stretcher for the wounded or it can be reinforced with ballistic protection to cover a combat team especially when operating in an urban environment. Furthermore, it can also carry equipment to lighten the equipment weight of the soldiers. 

Ballistic Shield ©️ Shark Robotics

Shark Robotics UGV can overcome obstacles up to 30 cm high, feature Picatinny rods for placing various equipment, while it can be equipped with a water cannon, a large flow fan and a disinfection kit. 

Shark Robotics CEO, Cyril Kabarra Major General (ret) and the CEO of COGES ( EUROSATORY organiser) Charles Beaudoin ©️ Shark Robotics

Barakuda is powered by 2 electric motors (6 KW) and operates with 8 lithium-ion batteries 58,8V – 27AH (Shark Energy Ultra Resistant)

Barakuda Technical characteristics:

• Weight: 500 kg
• Length: 160 cm
• Width: 120 cm
• Height: 95 cm
• Speed: 20 km / h
• Endurance: 10 hours in operations
• Control Distance: 500 metres at sight
• Slope: 40°, Side slope: 35°
• Payload: 550 kg
• Pulling Capacity: 1000 kilos
• Chassis: Aeronautical Aluminium
• Parachutable

Colossus Robot makes an impression with his firefighting capabilities. This particular robotic vehicle was also used during the firefighting operations at Notre Dame in Paris during 2019.

Colossus multi-purpose firefighting robot ©️ Shark Robotics

More specifically, in April 2019, Colossus intervened for 10 hours in support of the Paris Fire Brigade during the Notre Dame de Paris fire. The robots’ involvement had been decided at a time when the situation was becoming too dangerous for the firefighters: the temperature exceeded 800°C, the roof of the church was threatening to collapse, molten lead was falling inside the cathedral. Colossus participated in the preservation of the works inside Notre Dame thanks to the detection of hotspots and the extinction of the fire, towing hoses normally requiring the strength of 15 firemen. 

Colossus at Eurosatory 2022 live demo

The Colossus is equipped with a water/foam cannon with a capacity of pumping 1000-3000 litres/min under a pressure of 7-15 bars and the ability to pull a load of one ton. It also features a turret with a thermal camera (zoom X30) and a wide coverage of 180°. 

It can be used for a total of 9 different missions, including – apart from firefighting – obstacle removal with the special SH30 Arm which has a lift capacity of 60 kg, as well as carrying wounded personnel. Disinfection and observation are also included in its capabilities. Colossus is powered by two electric engines (4000W each) and 6 14S8P – 48V – 27AH lithium-ion batteries (Shark Energy Ultra Resistant).

Colossus Technical characteristics :

• Weight: 525 kg
• Length: 160 cm
• Width: 78 cm
• Height: 76 cm
• Speed: 5 km/h
• Endurance: 12 hours in operations
• Slope: Up to 40°, Side slope: Up to 35°
• Chassis: Aeronautical Aluminium
• Resistant to heat: Up to 900°C
• Payload: 500 kilos
• Pulling Capacity: 1000 kilos
• Transmission Distance: In average 1000 metres at sight

The series of unmanned vehicles for firefighting is completed by the Rhyno Protect. Rhyno Protect is considered the “little brother” of the Colossus and has a water cannon with a capacity of pumping 1000 litres / minute, a camera with 360° rotation and Picatinny rods. Like the Colossus, it may be equipped with a SH30 Arm for a variety of missions, a stretcher for the wounded, an equipment transport basket as well as a CBRN and sanitising kit. Rhyno Protect operates with 2, 24V – 50 A lithium-ion batteries (Shark Energy Ultra Resistant).

Rhyno Protect multi-purpose firefighting robot ©️ Shark Robotics

Rhyno Protect Technical characteristics:

• Weight: 150 kg
• Length: 115 cm
• Width: 76 cm
• Height: 53 cm
• Speed: 5 km / h
• Endurance: 5 hours in operations
• Control distance: 500 metres at sight
• Payload: 200 kg
• Slope: Up to 40°, Side slope: Up to 35°
• Chassis: Aeronautical Aluminium
• Resistant to heat: Up to 900°C

Another product presented to us is the Bulkhead robotic traffic spike system. The system in question has remote operation and – within 2 seconds – it can deploy a strip with metal spikes up to 4.2 metres long which immobilise a vehicle at a speed of up to 110 km/h by puncturing (deflating) its tires. This system is patented and can stay in standby mode for 10 days or execute 400 unfold cycles.

Bulkhead Robotic Traffic Spike System at EUROSATORY 2022 ©️ Shark Robotics

Shark Robotics has provided so far 6 robotic vehicles to the Paris Fire Department and 2 to the Marseille Fire Department, while it is in constant research and further development of its products.

Also read: First Responder | The micro unmanned ground vehicle of CYRIC at DEFEA – Photos & VIDEO