Friday, February 21, 2014

Driverless trucks to protect troops from IEDs (video)

New technology will make large tactical Army vehicles into autonomous, driverless machines, making it easier for military convoys to roll through combat zones without fearing loss of life.

The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center and Lockheed Martin recently demonstrated the ability of the Autonomous Mobility Appliqué System.

In tests, the driverless vehicles were able to navigate hazards and obstacles including pedestrians, oncoming traffic, road intersections, traffic circles and stalled and passing vehicles.

"The AMAS CAD hardware and software performed exactly as designed, and dealt successfully with all of the real-world obstacles that a real-world convoy would encounter," said David Simon, AMAS program manager for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, in a statement.

Under the terms of an initial $11 million contract in 2012, Lockheed Martin developed the multiplatform kit, which integrates low-cost sensors and control systems with Army and Marine tactical vehicles to enable autonomous operation in convoys. Lockheed says AMAS also gives drivers an automated option to alert, stop and adjust, or take full control under user supervision.

"[AMAS] adds substantial weight to the Army's determination to get robotic systems into the hands of the warfighter," said TARDEC technical manager Bernard Theisen.

For more of the Wired story: wired.com

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