Robotic ammunition loader aims to reduce burden on US Army artillery crews
Sarcos's robotic ammunition handling arm will be tested for use with Extended Range Cannon Artillery systems. (Photo: US Army)
Sarcos Defense will conduct extensive testing of a robotic arm-based ammunition handling solution integrated with US Army Extended Range Cannon Artillery systems.
Sarcos Defense has been awarded a $1 million contract by the Army Applications Laboratory within Army Futures Command for testing a robotic solution developed for ammunition handling.
The system uses a robotic arm designed to be integrated into the US Army’s fleet of Extended Range Cannon Artillery systems. Sarcos will extensive testing of this robotic solution to ensure it meets army requirements including shock and vibration absorption and withstanding extreme temperatures, humidity, and sand and dust incursion.
'The Extended Range Cannon Artillery system is used extensively in the US Army for long-range precision firing, but the downside to this system is the weight of the ammunition needing to be hand-loaded by soldiers in the field,' said Reeg Allen, VP business development at Sarcos.
Related Articles
Eurosatory 2022: Excalibur Army introduces Morana Howitzer
Finland improves long-range fire capabilities with extra Korean howitzers
'Our ultimate goal with the development of this robotic ammunition solution is to help the army successfully accomplish their missions with lower rates of injury by having a robot lift and place the heavy ammunition rounds.'
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
ERCA artillery system - PIM/M109A7 Improvement
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement]()
Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
-
![Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand]()
Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.
-
![Precision Strike Missile engine successfully tested from M270A2 launcher]()
Precision Strike Missile engine successfully tested from M270A2 launcher
Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a next-generation surface-to-surface missile with the solid rocket motor (SRM) provided by Northrop Grumman. The company is working to boost its SRM production capability.
