Rheinmetall launches Australian R&T programme

Rheinmetall has launched an Australian research and technology programme to develop advanced robotics and automated vehicle technologies.

Within the scope of the Autonomous Combat Warrior programme, Rheinmetall will work with research teams from Defence Science and Technology group, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Queensland University of Technology and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, with the goal of creating a local automated military vehicle capability.

The effort aims to lead the Australian development of next-generation automated combat vehicle technologies for integration into the family of Rheinmetall vehicle platforms.

The programme will focus on the automation of driving capabilities that retain human-in-the-loop technologies.

The work will draw on a number of programme underway in its Australian, Canadian and German businesses, including the collaborative advancement of automated vehicle systems; the development of Mission Master vehicles that incorporate an eight-wheel drive, skid-steer, electric, unmanned platform operated in either robotic, semi or full autonomous driving modes; and other relevant technologies such as drive-by-wire.

Gary Stewart, managing director, Rheinmetall Defence Australia, said:  ACW’s goal is to fundamentally change the way in which land vehicles support military operations by transforming a vehicle from tool to teammate to provide currently unachievable levels of soldier protection, support and tactical advantage.

‘This will see the Australian development of the next generation of land vehicle systems warfighting capability, with an emphasis on developing trusted automated systems which provide human-machine teaming and optional crewed control.’