#United States #Washington #AM General #Carnegie Robotics #Textron Systems

AM General Collaborates to Innovate Army Ground Mobility

In a significant stride toward modernizing military capabilities, AM General, a leading manufacturer of light tactical vehicles, has announced a strategic partnership with Carnegie Robotics and Textron Systems. This collaboration aims to develop a state-of-the-art unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) tailored for the U.S. Army's Medium Modular Equipment Transport (M-MET) program. The new UGV is designed to address the Army's logistics and operational energy needs while enhancing battlefield efficiency.

Key Features of the New UGV

The collaborative effort will yield a modular platform featuring a robust hybrid powertrain, built upon the proven AM General vehicle chassis. This platform will not only support autonomous logistics but also ensure the sustained energy supply critical to today’s military operations. According to John Chadbourne, Executive Vice President of Business Development at AM General, this partnership amalgamates the strengths of three industry leaders to deliver a transformative capability for the U.S. Army.

Addressing Modern Battlefield Challenges

The M-MET program focuses on bridging logistical gaps. It is engineered to autonomously transport a range of supplies and operational energy between the Brigade Support Areas (BSA) and forward-deployed units, making it a pivotal element in enhancing the Army's operational readiness. The UGV's modular architecture allows it to adapt to various mission profiles easily, from delivering crucial supplies to managing multi-domain operations (MDO).

The platform will feature advanced drive-by-wire technology that facilitates real-time control and fine-tuned maneuverability, crucial for operating in complex environments. The integration of an extensive autonomy suite and a Mission Operating System Architecture (MOSA)-compliant communication network ensures it can quickly adapt to different payloads and mission-specific requirements.

A Collaborative Innovation

In his remarks, John Bares, CEO of Carnegie Robotics, emphasized the central role of autonomy in this project. Carnegie Robotics will provide an advanced autonomy software stack, sensor integration, and payload handling capabilities, significantly enhancing the UGV's functionality. Textron Systems brings years of experience in unmanned systems design, focusing on integrating sensors and systems that enable autonomous operation across various terrains.

David Phillips, Senior VP of Textron Systems, expressed enthusiasm about their contribution, highlighting that the M-MET vehicle is built to be modular, adaptable, and ready for future challenges. This ensures that soldiers receive a flexible platform capable of evolving alongside military needs.

Future Outlook

The request for proposal (RFP) for the M-MET program is anticipated to be released in 2026, marking an important milestone in modern military logistics. With this collaboration, AM General, Carnegie Robotics, and Textron Systems aim to redefine how the U.S. Army approaches mobility and logistics in a rapidly shifting operational landscape.

About the Partners

AM General is renowned for its versatile range of tactical vehicles used globally, including the iconic HUMVEE. They are committed to continuous innovation to meet the evolving demands of military operations.
Textron Systems specializes in advanced unmanned vehicle technology across various domains, leveraging extensive expertise to create scalable solutions for defense missions.
Carnegie Robotics is a leader in delivering sophisticated sensor and autonomy solutions, known for their robust unmanned systems across multiple sectors, including defense and energy.

In summary, the partnership between AM General, Carnegie Robotics, and Textron Systems not only promises to deliver a next-generation UGV but also represents a significant advancement in the U.S. Army's capability to carry out critical missions in diverse terrains efficiently and effectively.