US Army considers load-carrying robots
The US Army is considering options for a new unmanned ground vehicle that could take on the load currently carried by soldiers, called the Squad Manoeuvre Equipment Transport (SMET) system, it announced on 2 March.
The army is working with industry partners to test early prototypes at Fort Bliss, Texas, while requirements and capabilities are refined.
The overall goal is to help reduce the heavy loads currently carried by soliders on operations. Col Kurt Thompson, chief of the army's soldier requirements division, and doctrine command capability manager – soldier, said that the SMET should be capable of hauling soldier gear for a typical 72-hour patrol. It should also have enough power to charge itself and the devices that soldiers carry. The SMET should be autonomous or semi-autonomous, which means that it must be smart enough to follow the soldiers with minimum control.
The plan is for the system to fit in the back of a helicopter or slung load below, and potentially have an array of sensors and weaponry for self-defence, with a soldier in the loop. Operational energy will also play a key role in development, with new battery technology, generation and alternative fuels to be explored.
Other potential uses of SMET could include patrol, perimeter security and supplies transport within forward operating bases.
The army is currently in increment 1 stage development, with the army hoping to build a prototype in the next few years.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences]()
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
![Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way]()
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
![AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems]()
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
![DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract]()
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
![Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems]()
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
