U.S. Army Makes Advances In Developing Unmanned Systems

Popular Mechanics: U.S. Army Develops a Robot Brain for Controlling Armored Vehicles

The Army can adapt all kinds of ground vehicles to an unmanned configuration.

* The U.S. Army is pouring a lot of time and effort into unmanned systems.
* Unmanned ground is more difficult than unmanned air.
* The research does not involve autonomous use of weapons, only mobility.

The U.S. Army has developed a standard set of hardware and software that, once installed in a human-vehicle, allows the vehicle to be operated remotely or even in a semi-autonomous fashion. The Army’s goal is unmanned fighting vehicles that can operate along manned fighting vehicles, and convoys of unmanned vehicles that can travel routes autonomously or following the lead of a human driver. The service faces significant challenges, however, as the two-dimensional aspect of unmanned ground is more difficult than unmanned air.

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WNU Editor:I can only imagine the software that must be built to accommodate such a system.

This Tracked Robot Can Carry The U.S. Army's Heavy Gear

The RS-2 H1 packbot during a 60 mile march through Georgia. Howe & Howe

Popular Mechanics: Grizzly Is a Rugged Tank Robot That Could Carry a Soldier’s Stuff

The tracked robot could haul an infantry squad’s heavy equipment, freeing soldiers to move more quickly.

The modern solider is overburdened, so defense researchers have been trying to invent new ways to lighten the load, such as wearable exoskeletons that shoulder some of the weight. Now, here comes the latest possible solution, a tracked robot designed to operate with Army ground forces, carrying important, heavy gear.

The Grizzly, developed by Textron Systems, could carry extra small arms ammunition, anti-tank weapons, mines, medical equipment, and other gear. Having a rugged robot carry this cargo could make ground forces more heavily armed but more agile on the battlefield.

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WNU Editor: I am surprised that these tools have not been deployed on the battlefield, especially for small units that must carry a lot of gear.

The U.S. Military Is Now Using Unmanned Vehicles To Patrol Bases

Popular Science: The U.S. Military Is Patrolling Djibouti With Robot Golf Carts

A simple machine in the works for 30 years.

At the best of times, military patrol duty is equally boring and important. Physically being in a place reminds others that the military is there, armed and ready to take action. It’s a good way to watch a lot of space for signs of hostile activity, but it also commits a lot of people to the work of patrolling, and puts them at risk. What if, in many situations, a robot could do the actual driving around and watching part of patrolling, and armed troops could travel quickly into the danger when it arose?

Meet MDARS, or the Mobile Detection Assessment and Response System.

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WNU Editor: It took 30 years to have a golf cart with cameras on top .... OK ....

F-16 Fighter Jet Flies With Empty Cockpit

U.S. Military Still Trying To Develop A Better Mule

Photo from Chosun

Unmanned Systems: Marine Corps Bets on Robotic Mule -- War Is Boring

Since 2003, the U.S. military has struggled to develop a cargo-carrying, robotic “mule” meant to accompany ground troops on foot patrols and into combat. The Pentagon has invested millions of dollars in a range of mule designs featuring a wide range of propulsion technologies — everything from traditional wheels and tracks to articulated legs and snake-like segments capable of “slithering.”

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My Comment: For some cool pictures of unmanned remote controlled vehicles, go here.

Is This The Direction For Unmanned Vehicles In The Military?

[credit: G-NIUS]

IDF Pursues New UGV -- Ares Blog/Aviation Week

Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries have disclosed a contract from the Israeli government to jointly develop a new unmanned ground vehicle.

Development of the "Nahshon" will be undertaken by the ingeniously named G-NIUS UGV joint venture involving Israel’s two main defense contractors. The initial work on Nahshon is to be completed by 2011. The contractors are performing the development activity under leadership of the Israeli army and defense ministry’s MAFAT weapons and technology development administration.

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My Comment: That is one nifty looking unmanned vehicle.