American Rheinmetall won an 18-month contract to develop hybrid-powered unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in support of the US Army’s frontline tactical resupply missions.
The effort will produce robotic platforms capable of transporting cargo to forward troops, reducing soldiers’ exposure to enemy fire and other battlefield hazards during logistics operations.
To deliver the capability, the company is partnering with several commercial firms, including California-based Harbinger, which will provide a military-adapted, extended-range hybrid chassis offering over 500 miles (805 kilometers) of range and 350 kilowatts of exportable power.
Maryland’s Forterra will supply the autonomous navigation software, while Connecticut’s Primordial Labs will integrate its Anura voice-command interface, enabling troops to direct multiple UGVs using natural language.
Development and testing will be carried out at facilities across the US, with the potential for follow-on contracts as the army continues expanding its autonomous logistics fleet.
“This award expands American Rheinmetall’s growing portfolio of uncrewed ground systems within the US market and reinforces our position as a leader in ground robotics and autonomous technologies,” said Jim Schirmer, vice president of sales and marketing at American Rheinmetall.
“Project Sustainment directly supports the Army’s modernization priorities by delivering autonomous load‑handling and transport capabilities that increase readiness and reduce the burden on soldiers.”
