Robotics Development
Abstract
Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) funding in this program element directly aligns with the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) Army Modernization Priority. The Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) development program will produce unmanned ground combat vehicle prototypes to aid Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) development, integrate and secure advanced autonomy and artificial intelligence algorithms, and inform follow-on production and fielding decisions. RCV will transition from Manned Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) experimentation to deliberate hardware and software focused development programs to include a RCV Light (L) Middle-Tier Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Prototyping program as well as a Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) program. RCV Experimentation includes initial hardware and software integration as well as Soldier Operational Experiments (SOE) to train, test, and evaluate the ability of Soldiers to perform missions using Mission Enabling Technology-Demonstrators (METDs) and Robotic Combat Vehicles (RCVs). Information gathered from the SOEs will be used to further inform MUM-T and which RCV(L) capabilities to develop. To solicit early Soldier feedback, the RCV(L) MTA Rapid Prototyping effort will be accomplished through two complimentary lines of effort (LOE) - Surrogate Prototypes (SP) and Full System Prototypes (FSP). The RCV(L) Surrogate Prototypes (SP) LOE utilizes updated RCV experimental prototypes and new build SPs in an iterative design-upgrade-test approach that includes integration of a Minimum Viable Capability Release (MVCR) and follow-on Capability Releases (CR) from the RCV Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) effort. The SP LOE includes three design-upgrade-test cycles, each culminating in a Knowledge Point (KP) to review program process and determine SP capabilities ready for incorporation into the FSP LOE. The RCV(L) Full System Prototypes (FSP) LOE will leverage mature capabilities from previous RCV experimentation and SP development efforts and integrate additional embedded software, perception sensors, user control interfaces, and communication links that will permit autonomous movement, tele-op movement, and increased battlefield situational awareness. The Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) focuses on embedded software development and sustainment activities including RCV autonomy software, control station software, and payload control software. The RCV SWP will provide software capabilities to the Surrogate Prototypes (SP) and Full System Prototype (FSP) LOEs for integration. The RCV SWP will incorporate Soldier and integrator feedback into product roadmaps to guide the development and maturation of critical software capabilities. The total cost of the RCV(L) MTA Rapid Prototyping program is $452.77 million (then-year dollars) RDT&E from FY 2022 to FY 2026. The RCV(L) MTA Rapid Prototyping program is fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program. Program Office Robotics Development (RD) improves robotic and autonomous program acquisition schedules and facilitating quicker delivery of emerging technology to warfighters by supporting the development of integrated and synchronized capability documents (e.g. JCIDS, Department Directed, etc.) and by maturing / transitioning robotics technology. Research Development Technology Evaluation (RDTE) funds enable support to capability development of emerging requirements. Activities include studies, assessments, and document development such as Technology Readiness Levels, Manufacturing Readiness Levels, Analysis of Alternatives / Letter of Sufficiency determinations, draft acquisition documents, and draft contract documents. Efforts include robotics and autonomous systems technology maturation / transition from Science & Technology (S&T) projects and Robotic Enhancement Program (REP) initiatives, Milestone Decision Documentation (MDD), and activities leading up to formal program initiation at Milestone B or C. The acquisition activities conducted under this line intend to reduce acquisition cost, schedule, and performance risk by conducting market surveys, technical risk assessments, developing performance specifications, scopes of work, acquisition strategies, systems engineering plans, test and evaluation master plans, lifecycle sustainment plans, engaging in early test planning, and prototype development activities. This line is for large robotic systems that are transported by vehicle, maneuver under their own power, or are installed as robotic applique kits. Funding will expand Modeling and Simulation (M&S) including Continuous Autonomy Simulation Test Laboratory Environment (CASTLE) capability to test and evaluate Manned Unmanned teaming, combat scenarios or other emerging Robotics requirement needs. RD funding will utilize the M&S environment to mature and evaluate S&T for inclusion to program requirements, Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) and/or technical insertions, utilize gaming technology in conjunction with Autonomy Software to develop Training, Tactics and Procedures (TTPs), requirements and Concepts of Operations (CONOPS). In addition, RD funds exploration and development of the Expedient Leader Follower (ExLF) Applique on additional systems (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT), Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) and 915 truck fleets) beyond the Palletized Load System (PLS). Funding supports Program management activities including inter-service support, travel, conducting Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), draft performance specifications, prototype demos, acquisition documents, payload demos, future payload maturation for Robotic Platforms and pre-MS B activities Obstacle Avoidance and Digital Modeling (OA&DM) activities. Funding also supports modernization of the current Ground Robotic fleets and current Army vehicles by investigating technology insertions including, but not limited to: condition based maintenance, vetronics, Robotic Architecture, autonomous operations and other emerging technologies. Funding will also support developing initial prototypes to enable refinement of Operational Requirements and early user feedback to support future sustainment and operational movement operating concepts. Funds will be utilized for infrastructure to support cloud based tools for development and deployment of Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning (AI/ML) software.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2023
- Source ID
- 0604017A_4_2040_PB_2023
- Change Summary Explanation
- FY 2023 funding increase reflects the fact that the FY 2022 President's Budget request did not include out-year funding.
- Service Agency Name
- Army
Entities
Organizations
- United States Army
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