BAE Systems has debuted its Robotic Technology Demonstrator (RTD) at the Association of the United States Army’s (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition.
The firm say that the RTD prototype showcases advanced capabilities and is adaptable for future weapon systems, sensors and other payloads.
“The RTD features autonomous mobility to help keep soldiers out of harm’s way, a Hybrid Electric Drive for fuel efficiency, a 30 mm remote weapons station, a suite of sensors for 360-degree situational awareness and surveillance, composite rubber track system, and a small legged robot for reconnaissance missions among other key new technologies.”
“The Robotic Technology Demonstrator is designed as a ‘rolling lab’ to integrate emerging autonomy and lethality technologies for testing. The electrical infrastructure, advanced optics, and software that have been integrated onto this highly reliable and robust chassis provides the foundation for truly game-changing battlefield capability,” said James Miller, director for business development at BAE Systems Combat Vehicles.
“BAE Systems built this demonstrator to help us determine the best way to mitigate risk for our soldiers while increasing their lethality.”
The level of unmanned armoured vehicles will rise exponentially and will be quickly followed by the adoption of similar systems on the oceans and in the air. What is the likelihood of remote systems being at east 20% of leading nation forces by 2050?
I agree that this is going to become a reality in years to come. It makes sense in Europe since armies have less personnel and you reduce soldier casualty numbers. However there are still some important obstacles to overcome. Russia’s Uran-9 which was deployed in Syria was deemed not fit for pourpose for a few important reasons, response time lag, maintaining link to control remotely operated vehicle in urban environment etc…. I think these will be overcome in the near future, and we will see more remotely operated vehicles very soon; however we are still far from seeing from autonomous AI controlled vehicles from both a tech standpoint and an ethical one.
In terms of delivering ammunition and supplies, it makes complete sense. It takes soldiers out of harms way who would have been at a high risk of ambush. I think it will be a while before AI is making decisions on the front line. Too many variables and red tape to cut through when making life or death decisions from a distance.
When do you think these AI platforms will be self aware? And, will they integrate into skynet?
Cue the Chinese copy artists on the middle left.
I think they are somewhat shocked that Bae seem to have mastered the great Chinese art of a bad copy to create an original. They must be very confused by this turn of events.
Lol, they do look baffled, and I bet they’re wondering why the hell a lawnmower grass collectors stuck on the top for and what good does that do without lawnmower!!
From that photo that looks like a tank from the inter war period bit like an old Rolls Royce with hastily fitted armoured panels to create a Scout car. I presume either the pic is deeply deceptive or any finished product might look a little less Heath Robinson.
Haha I thought that too 🙂 – like the prototype A-9, I imagine the insides are more interesting..