High-tech firearm accessories and analytics specialist Armaments Research Company (ARC) has received a $1.5 million contract to continue supporting a project that uses distributed, AI-ready ground sensor data to enable autonomous resupply as an application of manned-unmanned teaming in the modern battlefield.
ARC said it will employ its Military Intelligent Response Application platform, which it developed with DARPA.
The Small Business Innovation Research Phase II contract was awarded by the AFWERX technology accelerator and sponsored by USAF Special Operations Command.
ARC has developed Internet of Things and predictive analytics capabilities for the military. Its ARC Response technology uses small, ruggedised sensors, built into the handgrip of a gun, to monitor and geolocate assets on the firearm level.
Running out of ammunition on the battlefield often leads to the need for a manually delivered resupply. Bearing in mind recent advances in autonomous vehicles, the manned-unmanned teaming effort aims to deliver ammunition to soldiers without need for manual transportation.