AEGIS

AEGIS – Short Version AEGIS is a low-cost autonomous ground rover for border and field patrolling, target navigation, surveillance, and operation in GNSS-denied environments. Built on ROS 2 and Nav2, it supports GPS-based target navigation and multi-waypoint autonomous patrol missions. When GPS becomes unreliable, AEGIS switches to local navigation using odometry, inertial sensors, visual odometry, and pre-built maps, enabling continued patrol without satellite positioning. Its camera-based perception system uses YOLOv8 to detect drone-like aerial targets, people, and predefined human activities, generating operator alerts for suspicious events. It does not identify individuals or infer intent. The rover uses a rechargeable battery with solar-tracking support for longer field endurance. A modular, regulated RF counter-UAS research module is included for authorized defence/testing environments, focusing on GNSS-degradation detection rather than operational jamming. AEGIS is intended as a safe, modular technology demonstrator for perimeter security, disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, and search-and-rescue missions, reducing human exposure in hazardous areas..