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Robotics is becoming an inherent part of modern warfare. AUSA
06 provided an insight into future developments pursued by the
military. Combat proven platforms, represented here included
the EOD and robotic scouts. Several R&D Technology Demonstrators
were also displayed. Among the platforms unveiled here were
the BAE Systems' Black
Knight, a robotic armored fighting vehicle currently tested
as an unmanned "companion" for heavy armored combat
formations.
 Black
Knight could represent one of the directions to be pursued by
the future heavy force, as an equivalent to the unmanned elements
of FCS. These concepts are being evaluated under the Armed
Robotic Vehicle (ARV) system development. Autonomous operations
technologies developed for future programs robotics are already
underway at the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC)
at Carnegie Mellone University. The center outlined advanced
capabilities such as autonomous navigation, route planning and
artificial perception, utilizing LADAR
sensors developed for the latest 6x6
Crusher unmanned Ground Vehicle, which was also presented
here for the first time.
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The first prototype of the Multi-Function
Utility Logistics and Equipment carrier (MULE), developed
by Lockheed Martin was shown, demonstrating its various navigation,
control and mobility features. MULE is designed to sustain the
future warrior teams, operating within the FCS brigade combat
teams (BCT). The vehicle is currently at a full-scale engineering
evaluation phase.
 At
AUSA 2006 the company unveiled another unmanned platform, called
Squad Mission Support
System (SMSS), a robotic vehicle based on a turbo-diesel
powered, high mobility six wheel all-terrain vehicle (ATV) capable
of carrying 1,000 pounds (500 kg) of payload. Current platforms
are utilizing a commercial platform converted for a surrogate
SMSS role. Future versions will utilize specially designed platforms,
optimized for the SMSS mission.
Similar manned/unmanned platforms presented at the show included
the Tactical Autonomous
Chassis (TAC-C), developed by General Dynamics Robotics
Systems, under an Army Research Lab (ARL) program.  Another
robotic support vehicle is offered by John Deer and I-Robot,
which have joined forces to develop the
R-Gator, a robotic version of John Deer's M-Gator 6x6 vehicle.
I-Robot also unveiled its heavy EOD platform called
Warrior currently under development.
Much smaller but undoubtedly unique was an odd looking flapper
robot unveiled by SAIC. The RHex robot demonstrates an ISR sensor
carrier capable of negotiating extremely  difficult
terrain. The unique mobility concept employs semi-radial flaps,
constantly rotated to establish traction over rough terrain,
including steep and slippery surfaces, small boulders, deep
sand and mud. The movement is relatively slow but enables the
system to advance safely toward its designated target. The robot
is currently at a preliminary study phase, utilizing a configuration
fitted with forward looking video sensor.
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