ABOUT THE EVENT
The Unmanned Ground Vehicles Autonomy Trials (UGV-AT) is an event dedicated to understanding the current state of autonomous navigation capabilities in the field of unmanned vehicles developed for military use. Taking place on the 28th and 29th of June at Läsna, Estonia, the event aims to allow companies active in the field to showcase their systems to a multinational audience of military experts.
The participating systems will be put through a series of increasingly challenging scenarios looking at the essentials necessary for on-road and off-road navigation: route planning, point-to-point movement, obstacle avoidance, etc.
The event is organised by the Estonian Military Academy and the Estonian Defence Forces with partial financing from the participating Member States of the iMUGS project. There is no participation or entrance fee for the event.
| POCs | ||
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For participating companies Markus Otsus +372 5267 689 |
For visitors/observers Elis Kuusik +372 522 1965 |
For media Mari-Liis Päären +372 510 0231 |
TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION IN TALLINN
From Tallinn Airport to the city
From the airport to the city center, one can take the tram 4, bus 2 (green circle) or a taxi (blue circle). It takes about 10 minutes by taxi or 15-20 minutes by public transport to reach the city center. The bus and tram stop is right next to the airport.
By bus or tram:
For those travelling by public transport, one can buy a ticket from the ticket terminal inside near the front entrance using contactless payment, or straight from the bus driver by cash. The ticket fare is 2 euros.
By taxi:
The official taxi partners of Tallinn Airport are Forus Takso and Tallink Takso, whose cars will be waiting for passenger’s right in front of the terminal doors. In addition, Bolt ride app is available in Tallinn to order a taxi.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel recommendations in Tallinn
Radisson Blu Olümpia Hotel Tallinn
https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-tallinn-olumpia
Liivalaia 33, Tallinn, Harjumaa, 10118, Estonia
Mercure Tallinn
https://all.accor.com/hotel/B9L7/index.en.shtml
Lennujaama tee 2, Tallinn, Harjumaa, 11101, Estonia
Ibis Tallinn Center
https://www.ibistallinncenter.ee/et/
Juhkentali 28, Tallinn, Harjumaa, 10132, Estonia
Hotel recommendations in Rakvere
AQVA Hotel & Spa
Parkali 4, Rakvere, Lääne-Virumaa, 44308, Estonia
Hotell Wesenbergh
Tallinna 25, Rakvere, Lääne-Virumaa, 44311, Estonia
Katariina külalistemaja
https://katariina.ee/en/about-us/
Pikk 3, Rakvere, Lääne-Virumaa, 44307, Estonia
TRANSPORTATION FROM TALLINN TO THE TRIAL SITE
The test site for the UGV-AT is located at Läsna, in the Central Training Area of the Estonian Defence Forces, about 70 km to the east of Tallinn. A bus has been organised to transport visitors from Tallinn to Läsna and back. Arriving by car is also possible.
By bus:
In order to accommodate different travel plans and time availabilities, a bus from Tallinn to Läsna and back will run twice a day with the same schedule both on the 28th and the 29th of June. The pick-up location will be in front of the Radisson Blu Hotel Olümpia, 33 Liivalaia Str, 10118 Tallinn (see the image below). You are free to choose a bus timing to your liking.
Tallinn to Läsna
8:00 – 9:00
11:00 – 12:00
Läsna to Tallinn
12:30 – 13:30
17:00 – 18:00
Should there be any changes to the schedule, the organisers will inform you in a timely manner.
By car:
In order to reach the trial site by car from Tallinn, one should take the Highway 1 heading east from Tallinn. After kilometre 67 turn right onto the off-ramp towards “Läsna keskus” and drive along the road following the route shown on the map below, until you reach the Central Training Areas Läsna compound.
In order to find the correct location using GPS navigation, type in “Läsna teeninduslinnak”.
Image 1 General view of the route, starting from Tallinn Airport and heading into Läsna.
Image 2 Close up view of the start of the route, starting from Tallinn airport.
Image 3 Close up view of the route to Läsna from Tallinn, please note that the route suggested by Google maps is blocked. Please follow the paved road and additional directions from the organisers to arrive at the designated parking lot.
For travelling to Läsna from Rakvere, drive west along Highway 1 until after You have reached the 70-kilometre mark, and turn towards route 24 (Tapa and Aravete). Then follow the route shown on the map below until you reach the Central Training Area. In order to find the correct location using GPS navigation, type in “Läsna teeninduslinnak”.
Image 4 General view of the route from Rakvere to Läsna.
Image 5 Close up view of the route to Läsna from Rakvere, please note that the route suggested by Google maps is blocked. Please follow the paved road and additional directions from the organisers to arrive at the designated parking lot.
Once at the entrance to the Central Training Area, our organising team will guide you to the trial site parking lot located nearby.
EVENT SCHEDULE AND GENERAL STRUCTURE
28th of June, Preliminary test day
Navigation on open roads, fields and forest roads
Please note that the scenarios carried out on this day may require longer walking distances and have potentially limited visibility for the spectators.
9:00 Arrival on site, introduction to the event
10:00 Start of the scenarios
13:30 – 15:00 Lunch
15:00 – 16:30 Continuation of the scenarios
16:30 – 17:00 Conclusions of the day and travel back to Tallinn
18:00 Arrival in Tallinn
29th of June, Main visitor day
Navigation on forest roads, combined with off-road and forest floor navigation
9:00 Arrival on site, introduction to the event
10:00 Start of the scenarios
13:30 – 15:00 Lunch
15:00 – 16:30 Continuation of the scenarios
16:30 – 17:00 Conclusions of the day and travel back to Tallinn
18:00 Arrival in Tallinn
19:00 Start of the evening event (by invitation)
The event is built up of six scenarios or routes, which all the participating UGVs will run through, with three simpler scenarios planned for the 28th of June, and three more challenging scenarios for the 29th of June.
The participating platforms will be divided into three groups, rotating between scenario sites and thus all the scenarios will be running simultaneously.
Upon arrival at the trial site, all visitors and observers will receive a booklet containing the exact locations of various scenario sites, as well as information regarding the timeslots when each platform is expected to run through a scenario.
Lunch for all participants and visitors will be provided at a location near the test sites.
WEATHER AND NATURE
Please be advised that the UGV-AT is an outdoor event and even though some cover from the weather is provided in the form of tents, most of the event will take place in open forested areas. An outfit comfortable for walking on the forest floor and off the roads is advised.
Weather
The weather in Estonia at the end of June is typically at around 15-20oC, although variations can range from 10-30oC. Please consult the weather forecasts prior to the event and plan accordingly.
Vegetation and animals near and around the trial site
In order to make your visit more safe and comfortable, please keep in mind the following.
Ticks and mosquitoes
The end of June is an active time for both ticks and mosquitoes. Please be advised of the risk of Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis potentially carried by ticks, and carry out daily checks of the entire body to ensure that no ticks have attached themselves. If found, contact the medical personnel present on site.
Mosquitoes in Estonia do not carry any dangerous diseases but can be a nuisance in some forested areas.
Tick and mosquito repellents are available in all grocery stores and petrol stations.
Larger wildlife
There are two types of snakes in Estonia with the common European adder being the only venomous snake found in Estonian nature. The European adder can be recognised by a specific zig-zag pattern on the back.
Although attacks are very rare, bears, elk and wild boar should be avoided upon sighting, as animals with young ones might be aggressive.
TRAVELLING IN ESTONIA BY CAR
The speed limit in regular Estonian highways is 90 km/h. On the Highway 1 heading towards Läsna, speeds up to 120 km/h may be allowed (depending on weather and road conditions), please pay attention to traffic signs.
We would also like to bring to your attention the zero tolerance policy towards alcohol when driving in Estonia.