NATO has contracted Iveco Defence Vehicles to deliver concept development and experimentation for robotic and autonomous systems (RAS).
Under the three-year contract, the Italian firm will combine uncrewed ground vehicles and uncrewed air systems to demonstrate integrated RAS capability in real-world conflict scenarios.
Coordination and employment of the platforms will be conducted through a “common advanced interoperable command and control system distributed over pre-defined network nodes,” Iveco explained.
For the project, end-users will be involved in both concept development and technology employment.
Project Aims
The project aims to demonstrate the capability’s operational advantage, mission effectiveness, efficiency, and reduced risk to life in conflict zones.
It also aims to demonstrate how the concept can enhance and refine operational doctrine in combat environments.
The work will help define RAS strategy and chart a roadmap for the technology’s operationalization.
Possible initial scenarios for the system’s deployment include resupply, casualty evacuation, forward medical evacuation, lines of communication route reconnaissance, intelligence surveillance, target acquisition, manned/unmanned teaming, convoy, and recovery.
For the project’s execution, Iveco will lead a team of three technology firms from NATO countries: LEM from Switzerland and Siralab Robotics and Rebel Alliance from Italy.
