(Editor’s note: This post on DOK-ING and Orqa is part of Dispatches’ Tech Tuesday series. We cover tech because so many of our highly skilled internationals are engineers, entrepreneurs and researchers.)
The unlikely blossoming tech hub in the heart of Europe has managed to produce some outstanding entrepreneurs and enterprises alike, and in an array of fields. The world of tech is a fast-paced one, and it can be difficult to keep up with all of the new companies, many with what appear to be randomly generated names. Croatia, despite its infamous sluggish pace and masochistic love of paper, pens and red tape, is producing companies which are not just succeeding, but are cutting-edge and globally competitive.
That’s especially the case when it comes to robotics, drones and other unmanned technologies.
The Zagreb-based DOK-ING is a well-respected engineering and development firm, and Osijek’s Orqa has made an name for itself in military drones. Now, the two Croatian standouts have signed a cooperation agreement to develop manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) technologies for dual-use applications.
‘Don’t send a man to do a machine’s job’
DOK-ING is an industry leader when it comes to unmanned ground systems. Its marketing slogan is, “Don’t send a man to do a machine’s job.” Orqa is the exact same in the field of unmanned aerial systems.
DOK-ING makes robots that can clear minefields without risking soldiers’ lives. It also makes a smart anti-terrorism robot that can work autonomously or with human teams. Finally, DOK-ING makes autonomous mining equipment. Orqa manufactures and sells thousands of drones with real-time, first-person video, drone components, radio systems, VR goggles and controllers each month.
There two successful players coming together is creating some serious synergy. These enterprises will jointly develop dual-purpose manned-unmanned systems with the goal of accelerating decision-making processes and protecting lives even in the most dangerous and challenging environments.
According to a news release, this cooperation will focus on developing operational scenarios to leverage the unique advantages of manned-unmanned teaming technology integration. The Orqa and DOK-ING collaboration will span a range of applications, from logistical support and tactical operations to reconnaissance, and surveillance.
“DOK-ING and Orqa’s collaboration on manned-unmanned teaming technologies will provide solutions which will redefine operational capabilities,” said Ivan Jelušić, Orqa’s co-founder. “Our vision is clear: we want to produce integrated systems that increase situational awareness, accelerate decision-making, and protect human lives in all kinds of complex environments.”
This partnership is a foundation for the future of operations that rely on the “truly unbeatable combination of tech and human beings,” Jelušić added.
A collaboration to connect tech
The goal of the collaboration is to create a solution that works for situations and environments – on the battlefield and in industrial processes – that are extremely dangerous for humans. In combining the strengths of unmanned systems and advanced interoperable and communications in the air and on the ground will achieve a cohesive, multi-domain operational environment that increases safety and efficiency.
That includes real-time data exchange and coordinated operation planning that make maximum use of the capabilities of all technologies built into these advanced unmanned systems. The partners are integrating “immersive, autonomy and communication technologies on dual-purpose, unmanned land and air systems which have been adapted to unstructured terrain and altering conditions,” said Gordan Pešić of DOK-ING’s Management Board
DOK-ING in particular has been an enormous help to Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. State of the art Croatian equipment working to defend the country against Russian aggression is symbolic of Croatia’s deep understanding of Ukrainian suffering. It also acts as inspiration. Croatia earned its independence just over 30 years ago, an independence, an independence that cost many lives.
It has since transformed into not only Europe’s tourism star, but a small but promising tech center.
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Read more about Croatia’s tech ecosystem here in Dispatches’ archives.
Lauren Simmonds
Lauren Simmonds is the editor of Total Croatia News, the largest English language portal in Croatia. She lives in Zagreb, Croatia, and is a translator, content writer, interpreter and the co-author of "Croatia - A Survival Kit for Foreigners," which was published in 2022.
