Marionette™ consists of a series of automotive-style modules, each performing a specific function, that combine into a complete control system. It is most commonly deployed as a vehicle digitisation system, converting any vehicle to remote or autonomous control. This may be to remove a person from harm’s way (e.g. tasks in hazardous environments) or to increase efficiency (for example enabling automation of farm machinery to undertake weed-spraying). Successful conversions include both wheeled and tracked vehicles including heavy-goods vehicles, 6x6 & 8x8 all-terrain vehicles and a range of military platforms. These vehicles are capable of being controlled remotely by a human or via semi-autonomous and autonomous controllers up to the full capabilities and speeds of the original platform. Marionette includes a software interface which allows 3rd party capabilities to be added in to the system, for example mapping systems, autonomous controllers and monitoring systems.

Whilst DCE's focus to date has been on the use of Marionette for control of uncrewed ground vehicles and systems fitted to them (cameras, sensors, arms, spraying systems, cutters etc) the technology can also be used on conventional vehicles or static systems. Examples would be the addition of driver monitoring systems and driver aids for vehicles handling hazardous cargos and sensor systems for monitoring oil and gas sites where the data needs to be made available elsewhere.