Autonomous Systems and Robots for Supply Purposes

Autonomous Systems and Robots for Supply Purposes

090512-N-2013O-013 YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 12, 2009) A Mk. II Talon robot from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5, Det. Japan, is used to inspect a suspicious package during a force protection/anti-terrorism training exercise at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka. The exercise trained first responders and support personnel from Fleet Activities Yokosuka commands how to react to an improvised explosive device scenario. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Charles Oki/Released)

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Autonomous weapon systems, also known as military robots, have taken deep roots throughout military circles all across the globe. According to Global Research, many think that these new weapons systems will be the future of modern warfare, although there have been some serious statements considering humanitarian aspects.

Robotics and autonomous systems can be operated in various settings, including unmanned aerial and ground vehicles. A new program introduces them into the sphere military logistics – last mile supplies to troops.

Within the framework of a joint program, the UK and the US will conduct a series of trials of robotics and autonomous systems beginning October next year for the final stage of transportation of supplies to troops in challenging environments. The programme will last for up to four years.

According to DefeneseWorld.net, the final transportation stage often dubbed ‘the last mile’, can be particularly lengthy and dangerous for those involved – and it is in situations like this that both countries feel robotics can make the process more efficient in terms of cost, time and risk.     

The trials will be carried out with an autonomous truck convoy demonstration kicking things off at the US Army Warfighting Assessment annual wargame trials.

UK Defence Minister Philip Dunne and US Under Secretary of Defense Frank Kendall said science and technology teams in both countries have been working together for six months to develop proposals which can benefit the defence industry and beyond.

Alongside trials, calls to industry and academia will be made to identify further test technologies, with work set to culminate in a final trial event in October 2019, where a wide range of selected technologies will be brought together in one, integrated system.

Kendall said that “the Third Offset is about insuring the competitive advantage of US forces and our allies and partners over the coming decades. Our collaboration will help grow our advantage in autonomous systems and human-machine collaboration and will help drive interoperability between US and UK systems into the future.”

The move comes after US and UK Defence Secretaries challenged their departments to drive a collaborative approach on innovation between the US and UK last October.

In addition to the lab and R&D work, both armies are supplying personnel and equipment in support of the demonstrations and experiments.