PIAP MOBI TARGET – revolution in shooter’s training

Simply speaking, it is a system of robotised platforms or rather mobile shooting targets, designed to enhance operator’s combat skills. At this moment, the Polish Army does not use any such system, which could provide the instructor with on time data about the ongoing shooter training and achieved progress, whether it’s conducted in open ground or in build-up shooting range. I will say more, such a communicate, send to the instructor would also include information about where the target was shot, whether to shot was ‘fatal’ or would it simply ‘hurt’ the target.

Very often it happens that verification of the results of a single shooting session is conducted in a traditional way, using binoculars. This process takes time. With the PIAP Mobi Target, the instructor will receive such feedback in real time.

One of the crucial features of the PIAP Mobi Target platform is that is resembles a silhouette of a grown man, which is helpful in simulation real combat experience during shooter training. The platform moves on a special path, difficult to predict for the trainee, which enhances the training experience

We started designing PIAP Mobi Target over three years ago, in early 2017. However, conceptual works began much earlier. We came up with the idea of the system in result of the discussions which we had with people from the industry, as well as observations of the market.

We pretty much designed and developed PIAP Mobi Target independently, working under the project co-founded by the National Centre for Research and Development.

The system is composed of three main components: the mobile target, operator’s post and relay station.

The mobile target is simply an armoured wheeled platform, with an attached bust or rather a 3D mannequin. Its shape simulates a human figure of around 170 cm height. The robot is powered by electric engines, with removable batteries, which allows for undisturbed work for approx. 4h, depending on terrain conditions. When the battery runs out, the operator can simply remove it and load a new one in order to continue the training session.

For practical reasons. First of all, in order to simplify robot’s construction and scale down production costs. We decided that for the roles which the PIAP Mobi Target platform was designed for and in relation to the terrain which it will be working in, tracks are not necessary. Their application would only extend vehicle’s mass. In result, we would have to apply more powerful batteries and electric engines.

Each wheel of the Mobi Target’s driving platform is powered independently. However, they are not steerable. The suspension, which was designed in-house by us, enhances vehicle’s terrain prowess. When the platform drives through rough terrain, the suspension adapts to the ground level. The wheels are filled with elastomer, which enhances their survivability, especially when hit by a round.

Thanks to the detection system used in the PIAP Mobi Target, which is our own design. It allows us to constantly detect, where particular rounds hit the target. In result, we can analyse, what was the ‘value’ of shots fired by the trainee, whether they were fatal or not.

The platform was tested by us on a typical military shooting range. Surely, it does not have such good terrain prowess as an all-terrain military vehicle, like e.g. a main battle tank. However, the terrain which PIAP Mobi Target will move on, won’t be flat. It will be a typical area which we can meet on normal military training fields and shooting ranges.

In the simplest form we can use the PIAP Mobi Target as a teleoperated platform, where the operator controls the robot using a joystick. The robot is equipped with 3D cameras in front and the back, which allow the operator to see the path, which it moves on and avoid obstacles.

In the other mode the PIAP Mobi Target could drive through pre-defined paths, which are set up using easily accessible maps or satellite images. The instructor can plan the path in the way that it includes real or virtual obstacles, which the robot avoids on its way.

The PIAP Mobi Target does not ‘see’ obstacles, which it approaches and as such, it’s impossible for it to avoid them by itself. However, the cameras, which are mounted in front and the back of the driving platform, allow the robot to detect obvious objects, like trees, and stop in front of them, at the same time informing the operator about the detected problem. However, as I said, it will not identify less evident obstacles independently and won’t work out a solution in order to avoid it without help from the operator.

It’s worth noticing that the cameras, which the platform is equipped with, are also vulnerable to being hit by a round fired by a trainee. Therefore, we designed them in a way that their replacement is very easy and can be done on site.

We conducted the test at the firing range of the Military Institute of Armament Technology (Wojskowy Instytut Techniczny Uzbrojenia, WITU) near Warsaw. WITU worked with us on the design and testing of the 5 mm thin armour, which we applied to the PIAP Mobi Target.

Looking into the future, we plan to equip the PIAP Mobi Target with an anti-ricochet armour, which will enable the fire 9 mm rounds at it at point blank range.

We used guns which we have in our possession. Our armoury is equipped with the Grot and AKMS assault rifles as well as semiautomatic pistols. During the testing phase we cooperated with the Fabryka Broni company [a subsidiary of the Polish Armaments Group – MILMAG]. We also plan to use other types of guns during future tests of the PIAP Mobi Target, acting accordingly to the evolving requirement of the global market.

The PIAP Mobi Target was designed in order to simplify the whole process of servicing of the platform and allow the operator to conduct the process independently. It refers to all modules of the robot, including armour plates, which can be replaced on site.

It is the same panel, which was designed for the PIAP Patrol and the new PIAP Gryf robots. It differs only by the applied software.

It all depends on the number of transmitters which will be used during the training session. A single transmitter allows to operate the robot at a distance of approx. 800 meters. With two, we could extend this range to 1,2 km.

In reality, if our client would wish to operate the PIAP Mobi Target at a distance of 2 km, we are able to work out the proper solution to meet this requirement. The only thing, which could limit use, is the size of the training area, where the shooting will take place.

With a single operator’s panel we can operate up to 6 robots

Ever since we started working on the PIAP Mobi Target system, we wanted it to be mobile, both in the way in which it operates on the field, but also in regard to its transport capability. Therefore, we aimed to work out the best solution for the user to transport the system and all related equipment from the storage point to the training area. What we can offer to our clients, is a special vehicle or a number of vehicles with trailers, which will be adjusted to transporting the PIAP Mobi Target and related elements of the system.

Our solution also includes a special working space for the operator, equipped with a computer and large scale monitor, where he or she will be able to monitor the training process. Such a room will be equipped with an air-condition system as well as power generators, which will allow to constantly power up robot’s batteries.

We are aware of the fact, that numerous civilian institutions, like private shooting ranges, could be interested in buying or leasing the PIAP Mobi Target system. We believe, that this will relate mostly to foreign customers, however we are also open to our Polish clients. The whole system can be offered and sold on the civilian market with no legal obstacles, as it does not require any special license to buy or operate.

In order to scale down system’s cost, we plan to offer the PIAP Mobi Target system without armour plates. In this mode it could be used as a mobile target, operating from behind ground covers, which will protect the driving platform. We can also replace the 3D mannequin with a classic target plate

The PIAP Mobi Target will have its official premiere during the MSPO 2021 exhibition. In the meantime, we will be in contact with our international distributors and see whether there is a demand for on-site live demonstrations. We also intend to place the system in the digital offer on our website.

We have already presented the PIAP Mobi Target for one of the armed services in Poland, which showed great interest in it.