Ground Robotics
Abstract
This Program Element supports modernization of the current Ground Robotic fleets by investigating technology insertions including, but not limited to: condition-based maintenance, vetronics, Robotic Architecture, autonomous operations and other emerging technologies. Funding also supports developing initial prototypes to enable refinement of Operational Requirements and early user feedback to support future sustainment and operational movement operating concepts. A portion of this funding line is a key enabler of the Army Modernization Priorities in support of the Universal Robotic Controller program. BS9: The Ground Robotics - Robotic Payloads project is a suite of modular capabilities designed with open architecture to provide an increased level of standoff, situational awareness, disruption capability and dexterity to respond to current and emergent Engineer, CBRN and EOD requirements. Current Man Transportable Robotic Systems Increment II (MTRS Inc II) and Common Robotic System - Heavy (CRS-H) system characteristics include the following: a remote controlled articulated arm with a gripper, operating range up to 800 meters, multiple illuminated cameras, a pan/tilt surveillance camera, two-way radio, and a ruggedized operator control unit. This project will support development and testing of the following capabilities: Extended Range Mesh Network (ERMN) and Pan/Tilt Imager (PTI). The use of robotic payloads allows the first approach, to potentially explosive hazards, to be made by a robot rather than a Soldier. These multiple, modular robotic mission payloads will use open architecture to integrate with the MTRS Inc II and CRS-H platforms to form the Army's next generation platform adaptable robotics systems. There is no FY 2025 request for BS9 / Robotic Payloads. FB3: Robotic Architecture (RA) provides the engineering and development resources to manage the overarching architecture for robotic systems for both modular and interoperable systems across the Joint Force to facilitate future modernization efforts. It will manage the interoperability standards, modular payload interfaces, common software and common architecture for robotics and autonomous platforms, payloads and universal controllers in support of Human-Machine Integrated Formations (H-MIF). It will also enhance the Common Specifications Reference (CSR) to provide a repository codifying the Army Robotic Autonomous Systems (RAS) standards for open architecture, interoperability interfaces, common control, performance specifications and test results. RA includes the construction of program specific Interoperability Profiles (IOP) (e.g. Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) Inc II, Autonomous Transport Vehicle - System (ATV-S), Assault Breach Vehicle Remote Control System (ABV RCS), Robotics and Autonomy Command and Control (RAC2), Common Robotics System (Individual) (CRS(I)), Enhanced Robotic Payloads (ERP), Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV), Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) variants, Common Tactical Truck (CTT), robotic bridging and construction vehicles, robotic applique kits for manned ground systems) and new standards addressing emerging requirements and Modular Mission Payloads (MMP) including Cyber Security, software safety requirements from MIL-STD-882E, new autonomous behaviors and artificial intelligence, new payloads, lethality, etc. RA underpins the RAS software autonomy architecture strategy by providing the interface standards to allow the compatibility between next generation autonomous ground system software products (i.e., Robotic Technology Kernel, Warfighter Machine Interface, and alternative competing or complimentary innovative industry software products). A key focus of RA will be integrating the RA interfaces with the larger enterprise confluence of Software Foundry, Agile/DevSecOps and software development environments as they are applied to matured product lines such as Robotic Technology Kernel (RTK), Warfighter Machine Interface (WMI) and/or integrated with commercially-developed software. FY 2025 RDTE Base dollars in the amount of $2.735 million supports the finalization of the Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Ground (RAS-G) Interoperability Profile (IOP) Version 7.0, the initiation of IOP Version 8.0, and the continued maturation of IOP to a single-source model to enable digital engineering. IOP 7.0 will provide the required modular open interfaces and compliance test tools for a multitude of existing and emerging programs. IOP V7 will provide interfaces to support the ground robotic control of advanced H-MIF payloads such as Javelin, tethered unmanned aerial systems, Switch Blade, and counter unmanned aerial systems. The IOP provides the interfaces between autonomy kits and vehicle by-wire kits, as well as the interfaces to Robotic Technology Kernel (RTK) and Warfighter Machine Interface (WMI) and alternative competing or complimentary autonomy packages. Additionally, FY 2025 RDTE funds will iterate, mature and harden Robotic Operating System, Military (ROS-M) software infrastructure, ROS-M instantiation documents and manage the ROS-M registry and repository. FY 2025 RDTE funds will also iteratively mature the Common Specification Reference (CSR) from its minimum viable capability release. FB6: The Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) system provides small units with a remote-controlled cargo/equipment transport and limited tactical resupply capability, increasing mission capabilities while reducing the individual Soldier load. The S-MET will be capable of carrying 2,500 pounds of equipment currently required to support Infantry and Engineer Platoons in the Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) for a 72-hour mission without resupply. It is also capable of generating 1-3KW of offload power, with an operational range of 20 miles in silent mode. S-MET will have open architectures, a remote control, support casualty evacuation, and integrate Modular Mission Payloads (MMP) and Technical Insertions. The Army Acquisition Objective (AAO) is 2,819 across S-MET Increment I (Inc I) and S-MET Increment II (Inc II). The Army Procurement Objective (APO) S-MET Inc I quantity is 624 under a Middle Tier of Acquisition Rapid Fielding (MTA-RF). The remaining AAO will be fulfilled through S-MET Inc I/II quantities. FY 2025 RDTE Base dollars in the amount of $15.918 million funds the continuation of S-MET Inc II development, prototyping, and testing. S-MET Inc II is a follow-on program that will add capability and system maturity in the areas of platform autonomy, increased cyber and electromagnetic interference hardening, ballistic protections against kinetic threats, and improved battery safety for additional transportability modes. Program support to include labor, travel and miscellaneous expenses in support of these RDTE efforts will also be funded. FY 2025 RDTE Base dollars in the amount of $1.335 million continues to support development, integration and testing of S-MET Modular Mission Payloads (MMP) and Technical Insertions for application onto S-MET platforms. The total cost of the S-MET Inc I Middle Tier of Acquisition Rapid Fielding effort is $160.659 million from FY19 to FY24, including RDT&E ($26.355M) and Procurement ($134.304M). The S-MET Inc I MTA-RF program is fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program. FG8: Universal Robotics Control (URC) will provide the common information system for all squad and above Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) command and control (C2). The U.S. Army is challenged to transform the Command and Control (C2) warfighting function to execute the RAS strategy in support of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). The Universal Robotics Control (URC) program responds to this challenge by developing and fielding a system that rapidly synchronizes effects in all domains to defeat the enemy regardless of the mission command network. The URC operates as a distributed information system designed for resilience in a high threat environment utilizing existing and planned RAS elements. URC provides soldier and machine interfaces to establish and maintain positive C2 in all phases of combat and support operations, supported by a continuously developed software ecosystem. The capabilities of a unified information system for RAS C2 at the tactical edge enables improved situational awareness, multi-domain maneuvers, and deployment of lethal and nonlethal effects. URC is a critical enabling capability for NGCV OMFV and RCV programs. FY 2025 RDTE Base dollars in the amount of $8.390 million will be utilized in the Execution Phase of the Software Acquisition Pathway. This effort will execute the development of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and the Minimum Viable Capability Release (MVCR) and Software Acquisition Pathway associated tasks. This phase will include deployment of iterative developed software to the operational environment, conducting value assessments with the user community to mature capability requirements, and provide technical training.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 0605053A_5_2040_PB_2025
- Change Summary Explanation
- Funding reduction due to 0605053A - Ground Robotics, Robotic Payloads transitioning to Procurement in FY 2025.
- Service Agency Name
- Army
Entities
Organizations
- United States Army
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