Czech defense technology advances with autonomous robots and AI pilot monitoring

Czech researchers and defense companies are advancing autonomous and AI-driven military technologies. During the ARTEX 2026 military exercise in Portugal, the TAROS unmanned ground vehicle successfully completed autonomous supply missions. Developed by VOP CZ in collaboration with the Czech Technical University (FEL ČVUT) and the University of Defence, the six-wheeled platform can carry up to 600 kilograms. Using LiDAR sensors for navigation, the vehicle can traverse difficult terrain and obstacles autonomously while an operator provides oversight.

In a separate technological development, Brno University of Technology (FIT VUT) is partnering with Lockheed Martin on the EMPAT project. This research aims to use artificial intelligence to monitor the cognitive load of military pilots. By analyzing changes in speech patterns alongside physiological data from sensors, the project seeks to identify signs of extreme cognitive overload before they compromise flight safety. The initiative involves a multidisciplinary team including psychologists and biomedical specialists to develop systems that can detect risks during active flight missions.