Carriable UGV to Be Developed

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A Massachusetts military technology firm has been recently awarded a $152 million contract from the United States Army to develop a special lightweight robot that can be carried into combat on a soldier’s back.

The Common Robotic System Individual (CRS (I)) is a highly mobile, remote operated, unmanned ground vehicle that can be carried in a soldier’s backpack. The CRS (I) will be equipped with advanced sensors that increase mission capabilities. The UGV supports a variety of payloads and can also assist with detection, identification, and it can operate several counter hazards.

The robot will provide soldiers with a better sense of situational awareness as well as increased standoff capability from enemy threats.

QinetiQ, the developer of the CRS (I), has been chosen as one of two finalists in the Army’s program to find a mobile, carriable UGV.

The system is controlled by a universal controller. The system’s controller is capable of controlling current unmanned air and ground vehicles. Its open architecture design also allows it to control future vehicles.

Officials state that the unmanned ground vehicle will weigh less than 25 pounds, however the exact weight of the system is unknown.

Military.com mentions that the system is planned to be used in the field by the year 2020.

The United States Army has placed a high priority on AI and robotic technologies in order to keep combat units more safe and more lethal on the battlefield.