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Overland AI Demonstrates Soldier-Led Autonomy Across Day and Night Operations

Monday, June 16th, 2025

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo., June 10, 2025 — Overland AI’s fully autonomous tactical vehicles, ULTRA, were deployed across 15 live mission scenarios to comprehensively demonstrate end-to-end, Soldier-operated ground autonomy.

ULTRA, Overland’s fully autonomous tactical vehicle, operating in dense forest and utilizing tree line for cover during mission scenarios at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

Soldiers from the 555th, 36th, and 20th Engineer Brigades, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade, executed these 15 missions using two ULTRAs. They also leveraged Overland’s tactical C2 interface, OverWatch, to plan, execute, and adapt operations on the fly. From pre-operation vehicle checks, payload swaps and munition loading, to mission planning and execution in OverWatch, the experimentation event was conducted almost entirely by end users.

“This was a particularly unique event,” said Chris Merz, who serves as the director of product at Overland AI. “Nearly every phase of the operation—from munition loading to software-based replanning—was in the hands of the Soldier. We saw real independence from the operator, not just in planning and execution, but in adapting tactics in real time.”

ULTRA deploying smoke deception to confuse the enemy and create an element of surprise during a day mission in wooded terrain.

Participating units were tasked with planning complex, multi-vehicle missions. Soldiers used ULTRA’s modular platform for kinetic and electronic warfare breaching, terrain shaping with XM204s, deception, obscuration, and delivery of third-party payloads, including uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV) and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities.

Overland’s autonomy stack is highly adaptable in the field. Some operators re-tasked vehicles mid-mission in response to enemy activity and adjusted payload configurations under time pressure with little notice. Other operators, planning two simultaneous terrain-shaping missions with over 20 checkpoints and five tasks per vehicle, took less than three minutes to plan.

A Soldier from the 555th Engineer Brigade plans a series of missions with ULTRAs using OverWatch, Overland’s intuitive, tactical command and control (C2) interface.

“Our mission is to empower the Armed Forces to dominate any and all missions they need to accomplish,” said Byron Boots, co-founder and chief executive officer of Overland AI. “This wide-ranging event showed that Soldiers both trust our autonomous land systems and can leverage our versatile capability from start to finish.”

Overland AI remains committed to advancing autonomous military technologies, having previously secured an $18.6 million contract with the U.S. Army and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to develop autonomy software for the Army’s Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) program. The company continues to support a range of U.S. military programs, including the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command.

To learn more about Overland AI and see open roles, visit www.overland.ai.

Posted in AI / ML, Army, Press Release, Robotics | No Comments »

Senior Special Ops Leader Highlights AI’s Usefulness Beyond Battlefield

Thursday, June 5th, 2025

Although the U.S. Special Operations Command has embraced incorporating artificial intelligence into the 21st-century battlespace, one senior special operations forces leader noted that AI has non-tactical uses, which are proving very advantageous for the SOF community.

While speaking at the AI+ Expo in Washington today, Socom’s vice commander, Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Frank L. Donovan, said AI tools are helping the command build its budget and run more efficiently at the administrative level.

He admitted that talking about budgets “doesn’t sound exciting,” but it’s important to Donovan to “show that we have a good return on the investment” that American taxpayers make in Socom.

“We use this tool, integrating data from across multiple databases into a single pool, and [then] use generative AI to deliver insights and provide true courses of action to make sure that our baseline budget and our top line remains about constant,” he explained.

He added that such a process helps ensure the command is executing operations globally while cutting away excess and modernizing at the same time.

In terms of how human capital relates to budgeting, Donovan said the people who contribute to the process are still necessary for their valuable insights.

“We can have a large number of staff officers doing that type of work, and we want them still in the loop to provide their expertise,” he said. “But [with AI], we can move quicker — with more volume and data — to make a better decision.”

Socom has made significant AI-related inroads over the past year, particularly when it comes to software.

Last month, one industry expert said he would rate Socom’s overall progress on AI development as a “six or seven” on a scale of one to 10, noting that he sees areas where the command can continue to grow, including further integration of AI into legacy hardware systems.

Currently in its second year, the AI+ Expo is a forum for industry, government and academic research entities to exhibit some of the latest technological breakthroughs in AI, biotech, energy, networks, microelectronics, manufacturing and augmented reality, as well as discuss their implications for U.S. and allied competitiveness.

By Matthew Olay, DOD News

Posted in AI / ML, Guest Post, SOF | 1 Comment »

Army Scientists Train Soldiers on How to Leverage AI Technologies

Thursday, June 5th, 2025

ADELPHI, Md. — A cohort of 25 Soldiers and three civilians mastered the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning as part of a special course taught by experts at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory, also known as DEVCOM ARL.

Mid-career Army officers, warrant officers and non-commissioned officers traveled from across the nation to attend the course. The goal was for participants to finish the course with an in-depth understanding of how they might leverage AI for their particular role in the Army.

“The instructors did a phenomenal job breaking down complex concepts like convolutional layers, generative adversarial networks and transformer models into digestible lessons, even for non-technical folks,” said Capt. Nathan Jackson, an active-duty air defense artillery officer stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. “I now see clear opportunities for AI to support everything from predictive modeling of officer career paths to optimizing air defense planning.”

This course, led by DEVCOM ARL researchers Dr. Mark Tschopp and Dr. Reginald Hobbs and Maj. Matt Work from the U.S. Army Futures and Concepts Center, represents one way that DEVCOM ARL prepares Soldiers for a future operating environment dominated by artificial intelligence.

“AI holds the extraordinary potential to swiftly analyze the deluge of data present within the future battlefield and to deliver actionable insight to Soldiers at the speed of relevance,” Tschopp said. “We want this course to equip Soldiers with the knowledge and decision-making capabilities to harness AI as a tool to gain a competitive edge over our adversaries.”

ARL launched the Artificial Intelligence for Soldiers course as part of the Army G-3/5/7’s Strategic Broadening Seminar program in 2024 to provide Soldiers with a unique learning opportunity in a critical technology domain.

The course features classroom seminars, guest lectures by Army leaders, tours of ARL research facilities and close-up demonstrations of the laboratory’s latest AI and robotics technology.

During the span of one week, course participants were provided a wealth of information that not only illuminated how AI systems work but also highlighted AI’s nature as a tool with real limitations and specialized applications. Once the course established a solid foundational understanding of AI and ML for the participants, the program coordinators demonstrated to the Soldiers the various ways that Army researchers have implemented AI in Army technology so far.

“It was fascinating to learn where AI opportunities are being explored and what AI limitations that scientists are trying to overcome,” said Maj. Mathew Miller, Army acquisition officer. “I was most impressed with where ARL scientists are applying AI now. I feel much more empowered to approach industry on the topic of AI, and I hope to reach out to ARL scientists in the future as a resource for attacking acquisition challenges.”

The course concluded on Friday with capstone presentations by the participants to Army senior leaders. Each team showcased what they had learned and proposed a new AI-driven capability that would address a future Army need.

U.S. Army’s Director of Strategy, Plans and Policy Maj. Gen. Stephanie Ahern congratulated the course participants for their growth and stressed the importance of continued education and engagement in this technology space.

“This course was about developing you all—as some of the Army’s rising leaders—to meet the challenges ahead,” Ahern said. “Your ability to work with experts who are working with AI every day and your ability to apply AI in the field are extremely essential to the Army mission. Please continue to be an agent of change; you are a part of the solution, and you are not in it alone.”

By U.S. Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory Public Affairs

Posted in AI / ML, Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Army Scientists Train Soldiers on How to Leverage AI Technologies

Anduril and Meta Team Up to Transform XR for the American Military

Friday, May 30th, 2025

Anduril and Meta are partnering to design, build, and field a range of integrated XR products that provide warfighters with enhanced perception and enable intuitive control of autonomous platforms on the battlefield. The capabilities enabled by the partnership will draw on more than a decade of investment by both companies in advanced hardware, software, and artificial intelligence. The effort has been funded through private capital, without taxpayer support, and is designed to save the U.S. military billions of dollars by utilizing high-performance components and technology originally built for commercial use.

This partnership comes at a pivotal moment in the evolution of national defense. America’s national security has benefited from U.S. technological leadership at every phase of the computing revolution, from the first microchips and PCs to today’s internet and mobile devices. As a new era of computing takes shape—built atop AI and body-worn devices—Meta and Anduril are committed to maintaining America’s technological edge while reinforcing our economic and national security.

“Meta has spent the last decade building AI and AR to enable the computing platform of the future,” said Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO of Meta. “We’re proud to partner with Anduril to help bring these technologies to the American service members that protect our interests at home and abroad.”

“I am glad to be working with Meta once again.” said Palmer Luckey, Founder of Anduril. “Of all the areas where dual-use technology can make a difference for America, this is the one I am most excited about. My mission has long been to turn warfighters into technomancers, and the products we are building with Meta do just that.”

“The world is entering a new era of computing that will give people access to limitless intelligence and extend their senses and perception in ways that have never been possible before,” said Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, CTO of Meta. “Our national security benefits enormously from American industry bringing these technologies to life.”

Expanding the Ecosystem

These joint mixed reality capabilities will integrate seamlessly with Anduril’s Lattice platform, the company’s AI-powered command and control system that integrates valuable data from thousands of sources to provide real-time battlefield intelligence. By incorporating role-specific AR/VR interfaces into the products, soldiers will gain intuitive access to Lattice’s analytical capabilities, a meaningful source of data for decision advantage. This integration will transform how warfighters see, sense, and integrate battlefield information, providing immersive technology solutions that enhance tactical decision-making in combat scenarios.

For Meta, the partnership represents a significant expansion into support for U.S. government technology adoption of its cutting edge technology. The collaboration builds on Meta’s existing Reality Labs investments and its work supporting adoption of its Llama open source AI models for national security uses by the U.S. and its closest allies.

Anduril and Meta have already jointly submitted a white paper as a team for SBMC Next, formerly IVAS Next. Since the Army’s novation of the original IVAS (Integrated Visual Augmentation System) contract from Microsoft to Anduril, Anduril has made significant progress to transition IVAS to Soldier-Borne Mission Command from concept to demonstrated, soldier-tested capability, streamlining operations, accelerating delivery timelines and reducing costs. Software updates that used to take 180 days now reach the field in under 18 hours, and Lattice-integrated IVAS headsets are in testing now.

Posted in AI / ML, Industry, Press Release | 8 Comments »

OKSI Introduces Odyssey GPS-Denied Module

Tuesday, May 27th, 2025

The Odyssey GPS-Denied Module with #IntelligenceByOKSI — Bolt-on Visual Navigation for UAS.

The Odyssey module is a rapidly deployable and robust bolt-on GPS-denied navigation module. It provides drift-free navigation with absolute position updates to flight controllers enabling flights in heavily jammed EW environments. By leveraging a custom-trained AI feature matcher and advanced data fusion algorithms, Odyssey excels in diverse conditions—including seasonal changes, battlefield scarring, urban destruction and zero-illumination scenarios. It is fully passive—emitting no RF or laser signals—ensuring low observability and quick integration into virtually any platform.

The Odyssey was designed in partnership with Nokturnal AI, who delivers purpose-built autonomous platforms that thrive in EW environments with heavy jamming. Together we bring operators the tactical advantage they need on the modern-day battlefield that keeps them in the loop and out of danger.

Learn more about the Odyssey Module: www.nokturnal.ai/platform/odyssey

Learn more about GPS-denied Navigation: oksi.ai/omninav-gps-denied-navigation

Lets talk integration: solutions@oksi.ai

Posted in Advertiser, AI / ML, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on OKSI Introduces Odyssey GPS-Denied Module

US Army Opens Recruiting for Robotics Warrant Officer MOS

Monday, May 19th, 2025

Last fall, I mentioned a that US Army Special Operations Command was adapting to the evolving face of warfare by creating a new Military Occupational Specialty. In true SOF fashion, they attacked the problem asymmetrically by adapting a career management field they had control over and using authorities to recruit talent into the warrant officer force. Now, it’s open for applications. If you are into emerging warfighting capabilities, this is the job for you. I’m jealous something like this wasn’t available when I was in.

MOS 390A Robotics Technician

The result is MOS 390A Robotics Technician, intended to enable and provide robotic and autonomous system solutions to tactical problems across all warfighting functions and domains during competition, crisis, and combat operations. The 390A will be assigned to tactical formations at brigade/group-level and above. This new MOS will be the subject matter expert for planning robotics and autonomous systems operations, integrating those operations into broader plans, engineering and fabricating robotic and autonomous system solutions to tactical problems, managing attritable systems and their kinetic and sensor payloads, and delivering those capabilities and effects in support of Soldiers at the tactical edge.

Eligibility:

a. The MOS is open to all enlisted, officer, and warrant officer that are currently serving in Special Operations Forces Units. As there is no requirement for SFQC graduation, I hope to see some enablers applying.

i. Enlisted: Open to all MOS and grades/ranks.

ii. Warrant Officer: Applicants must be a graduate of the Warrant Officer Candidate School and a Warrant Officer Basic Course. Must be a Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW2) with a minimum of one-year time in grade or Chief Warrant Officer Three (CW3) with no more than one-year time in grade.

iii. Officer: Applicants open to all branches. Officers must be branch qualified.

b. Must meet Army physical fitness and Army Height / Weight standards.

c. Must possess a Secret clearance.

d. Have no derogatory information in their OMPF, a referred NCOER or OER, or pending adverse action.

e. Must be able to complete a 3-year tour following graduation from WOBC.

Packet Submission Deadline is Friday, 1 August 2025

For full information, visit recruiting.army.mil/In-Service-Opportunities/US-Army-Warrant-Officer-Recruiting/Do-I-Qualify/WO-MOS-Feeder-List/39A-Robotics-Technician

Posted in AI / ML, Army, EW, Profession of Arms, Robotics, SOF, TacJobs, UAS | Comments Off on US Army Opens Recruiting for Robotics Warrant Officer MOS

OKSI Intelligent Seeker: 81mm Precision Guidance Kit

Friday, May 2nd, 2025

OKSI’s Precision Guidance Seekers Systems delivery high-confidence acquisition, tracking and terminal guidance – no GPS or laser required. The 81mm Precision Guidance Kit provides first round effects for mortars, providing unmatched effectiveness on today’s battlefield.

OKSI will be at SOF Week hosting customers and business partners on their yacht, showcasing their latest technologies. Get on their meeting schedule to talk low-cost solutions and integration to bring your system Intelligence By OKSI. Contact: solutions@oksi.ai

Posted in Advertiser, AI / ML, Guest Post, weapons | Comments Off on OKSI Intelligent Seeker: 81mm Precision Guidance Kit