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Fort Benning Trains Army Leaders to Integrate Robotic and Autonomous Systems in Combat

Friday, February 13th, 2026

FORT BENNING, Ga. – The U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE) at Fort Benning launched the first pilot of the Robotic Autonomous Systems Leader Tactics Course (RASLT) yesterday as part of Army-wide Transforming in Contact (TiC) initiatives.

The course will prepare Army leaders for future conflicts where autonomous and robotic systems will play a more prominent role. The course is slated for three pilots in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. Each pilot will be three weeks long and run five days a week.

Lt. Col. Alan Hastings, commander of the 3rd Squadron, 16th Cavalry Regiment, the unit overseeing RASLT, said this training is critical for Army leaders as the force integrates new robotic and autonomous systems formations.

“What we hope RASLT will provide is a touchpoint within an officer or NCO’s professional military education timeline where they are exposed to this subject matter and they develop a foundation for building proficiency and expertise in planning tactical operations, combining arms with these new capabilities,” Hastings said.

According to Capt. Alison Darby, the RASLT course director, the unit is targeting officers from first lieutenant to major for participation, and enlisted personnel ranked sergeant first class and above. She recommends eligible enlisted personnel graduate first from Scout Leader Course or Battle Staff NCO Course and eligible officers should ideally be Maneuver Captain’s Career Course graduates before attending RASLT.

“We’re looking for leaders (who) are returning to the operational force where there is likely to be one of these robotics and autonomous systems formations integrated at the company, battalion, or brigade level,” Darby said.

The three-week course will follow a structured format.

In the first week, students will have broad discussions to gain understanding of different types of autonomous systems before learning about unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) types and their capabilities. The week will end with a cognitive exercise where students will develop a plan as a company commander within a mobile brigade combat team with RASLT assets attached.

“This is our first chance to test their ability to plan and execute their plan based off the injects they’re getting from the instructor acting as a thinking, adaptive enemy,” Darby said.

In the second week, students will explore small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) capabilities, limitations, and considerations. They will then learn about electromagnetic spectrum management and the impact of terrain and weather on the systems. Students conclude the second week by conducting a defensive tactical decision exercise (TDE) where they act as an armor company commander with robotics systems attached to their combined arms formation.

During the third week, students will discuss leadership, ethics and other general considerations of robotic and autonomous systems. In a final tactical decision exercise, students must incorporate robotic and autonomous systems to enable an offensive maneuver.

“Graduates of this course should be able to understand the capabilities and limitations of several types of robotic and autonomous systems that are already being implemented in the force or are a proposed idea to add into the force,” Darby said. “Whatever unit they go to, students will have the capability and understanding of how to plan and utilize these systems to enable the maneuver formations.”

The Army is continuously transforming by using the latest technologies for warfighting advantage to remain the most lethal and ready land force in the world. Initiatives like RASLT ensure the Army can deliver trained, cohesive, and lethal teams to meet future challenges in complex operational environments.

By Daniel Murnin

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Robotics, Training | Comments Off on Fort Benning Trains Army Leaders to Integrate Robotic and Autonomous Systems in Combat

Milrem Robotics and EOS Defence Systems Sign Teaming Agreement to Advance Unmanned Ground Systems Capabilities

Thursday, February 5th, 2026

Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading developer of robotics and autonomous systems, and EOS Defence Systems, a global leader in advanced remote weapon systems and integrated defence solutions for Counter-UAS, have signed a teaming agreement to jointly pursue new business opportunities and advance network-centric collaborative combat robotics.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation across marketing, product development, and research and development, enabling both companies to combine their complementary expertise in unmanned platforms, weapon systems, and integrated defence solutions.

“By combining Milrem Robotics’ unmanned ground vehicle expertise with EOS Defence Systems’ advanced weapon and integration capabilities, we are strengthening our ability to deliver scalable and mission-ready solutions for modern armed forces,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “This teaming agreement reflects our shared commitment to innovation, interoperability, and responding to evolving operational requirements.”

“The drone threat environment is increasingly mobile and contested, and effective defence can no longer be confined to fixed sites or crewed platforms,” said Andreas Schwer, CEO of Electro Optic Systems (EOS). “This teaming agreement extends EOS’ world-leading counter-drone systems onto unmanned ground platforms, supporting more flexible and layered defence approaches.”

Under the agreement, the companies will collaborate to identify business opportunities in new markets and customer segments of mutual interest, as well as to develop and execute joint marketing initiatives. The cooperation also enables the potential co-development of products, technologies, and integrated solutions aligned with the companies’ respective areas of expertise.

A key focus of the partnership is joint research and development, including the integration of advanced weapon systems, sensors, and effectors onto Milrem Robotics’ unmanned ground vehicles. Planned activities may include non-ITAR counter-UAS solutions, missile and grenade launcher integrations, large-calibre weapon systems for heavy UGVs, and the integration of laser-based capabilities on medium and large uncrewed platforms, in cooperation with selected international partners.

The agreement further supports the sharing of relevant intellectual property, technical know-how, and research outcomes to accelerate the commercialisation and deployment of jointly developed or marketed solutions.

The collaboration will initially focus on selected markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, and Europe, with opportunities in the United States assessed on a case-by-case basis. Target markets include the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, and selected European programmes where joint offerings can deliver a clear competitive advantage.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, Robotics | No Comments »

Autonomy in Action: Advancing CBRN Defense Capabilities with Unmanned Systems

Saturday, January 3rd, 2026

Our Nation’s warfighters encounter many known and unknown hazards on the modern battlefield including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. Hand-held detection and identification capabilities enhance situational awareness and enable early warning and mitigation, but they can also be time intensive and physiologically burdensome. Additionally, some environments pose too great a risk or are simply inaccessible to warfighters. This is where the use of critical integrated layered CBRN defense assets like autonomous systems comes in.

In CBRN defense, an autonomous system refers to a capability that can independently detect, identify, and/or mitigate CBRN threats by leveraging sensors, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and automated decision-making algorithms. The key feature lies in its ability to function independently, acting as an intelligent partner, and keeping the warfighter at a safe distance, therefore enhancing force protection.

Currently, the Capability Program Executive Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (CPE CBRND) manages autonomous system efforts including the CBRN Sensor Integration on Robotic Platforms (CSIRP) and the Autonomous Decontamination System (ADS).

CSIRP is a rapid prototyping and fielding effort led by the CPE CBRND’s Joint Project Manager for CBRN Sensors (JPM CBRN Sensors) that focuses on integrating modular CBRN sensor solutions to enhance Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles. It exploits advances in sensing, AI, machine learning, autonomy, and communications to enable timely and accurate detection, early warning, and reporting of CBRN hazards, benefiting the warfighter by reducing response times and limiting risk of exposure to CBRN threats.

The CSIRP SkyRaider UAS CBRN Hazard Mapping system is an example of CSIRP in action. The CSIRP SkyRaider UAS is a drone with modular detection equipment or sensors attached that can display CBRN hazard information on mapping, targeting, and communication devices. Once launched from the ground or platform, it is capable of autonomous operation beyond line-of-sight and can complete the programmed mission even through loss of GPS or communications. It is capable of self-navigating to the target, maneuvering in tight spaces, and avoiding obstacles.

Likewise, the ADS program, led by the CPE CBRND’s Joint Project Manager for CBRN Protection (JPM CBRN Protection) will provide increased safety and efficiency of chemical and biological (CB) decontamination operations by utilizing automated, semi-autonomous, and/or autonomous processes to mitigate contamination on critical mission equipment, infrastructure, and terrain. ADS reduces reliance on warfighters’ manual labor and optimizes resource consumption.

To illustrate how these autonomous systems benefit the warfighter and Joint Force mission, imagine a platoon situated in a contested environment. The adversary launches a missile armed with a chemical warfare agent nearby and the dispersal pattern is unpredictable due to the terrain, wind conditions, and the missile’s detonation characteristics. Manned detection slows contamination mapping and poses risk to the Force, so rather than putting warfighters at risk, the platoon leader would deploy the SkyRaider UAS equipped with chemical sensors to quickly self-navigate and assess the broader area. This unmanned, rapid assessment minimizes personnel exposure and enhances force protection by communicating to leaders the timely information needed to make informed decisions. In this case, the platoon leader might deploy an ADS to decontaminate any equipment or areas the platoon will need to traverse, mitigating the risk of exposure to the warfighters through robotic means and reducing the time and logistical burden required to conduct decontamination operations.

Mark Colgan, CSIRP lead systems engineer for JPM CBRN Sensors, states, “Currently, warfighters have to suit up, do their mission, and then decontaminate their protective gear, equipment, vehicles, and more. We can now skip some of those steps by automating the process. They get the same results while remaining safe and completing the mission faster.”

The CSIRP effort is in constant pursuit of advanced sensing capabilities and improvements to leverage autonomy, specifically through its use of algorithms. To keep pace with advancing technologies, JPM CBRN Sensors and JPM CBRN Protection leverage CPE CBRND’s Joint Enterprise Technology Tool (JETT), a web-based platform designed to facilitate communication between the U.S. Government and industry members, for market research and to gain a better understanding of what industry is developing and their focus areas as they relate to program needs. The JPM CBRN Sensors team has utilized JETT to identify and engage with more than a dozen vendors with capabilities relevant to CSIRP. Colgan states, “JETT has proven valuable in answering the questions of ‘What else is out there?’ and ‘What’s coming next?”

This aligns with the Department of War’s Acquisition Transformation Strategy, which, in part, acknowledges that industry often outpaces the Defense Industrial Base and that the Department “must adopt an industry-driven environment for companies to share their product and service offerings to accelerate and scale capability delivery,” as well as “enable industry to better understand the Department’s needs and demonstrate mature products and services early in the acquisition process.”

To date, improvements have included software designed to operate with CPE CBRND’s CBRN Support to Command and Control (CSC2), which integrates CBRN sensor data and information into a common operating picture and provides actionable information to Commanders throughout the battlespace; flight software and sensor-driven algorithms that enable a number of unmanned systems to autonomously team up and relay messages among themselves and with their human counterparts; algorithms that synthesize data; and more.

As it stands, autonomous systems provide a decisive warfighter advantage by performing standoff detection of CBRN threats and critical decontamination functions so the warfighter can focus—at a safe distance—on the larger mission at hand. Looking ahead, AI and technology advancements will continue to optimize the role autonomous systems play in CBRN defense, enabling our warfighters to operate in a CBRN contested environment with more confidence.

By Vashelle Nino CPE CBRND Public Affairs

Posted in AI / ML, Army, CBRNE, Guest Post, Robotics | No Comments »

Next-Generation Drone Pilots Face Off at Comp

Wednesday, December 24th, 2025

Army’s newest drone and robotics talent went head-to-head at Victoria Barracks last month in the finals of Rise of the Drones and War of the Machines.

The culmination of months of training, designing and testing at Battle Lab’s MakerSpace sites across the country had finals competitors assembling, configuring, flying and repairing first-person-view (FPV) drones and robotic ground systems. 

The event represents a step forward in building Army’s uncrewed systems capability, with 161 new FPV drone pilots and 98 uncrewed ground vehicle operators trained through the MakerSpace program.

Commander Battle Lab Colonel Pete Allan said the competitions played an important role in supporting Army’s future capability needs.

“We’re clearly seeing that robotics and automated systems are reshaping how militaries fight, so activities like Rise of the Drones and War of the Machines are part of how Army rapidly adapts at the forward edge,” Colonel Allan said.

The Battle Lab MakerSpace training model, originally conducted over six weeks, was condensed to four weeks to demonstrate the ability to accelerate capability when required. 

‘There are lessons to be learned from Ukraine and the Middle East. Innovating in the FPV space is critical.’

Participants received instruction and mentorship as they progressed from assembly to simulation to live flights. Some completed the initial training in less than three days.

Competitor Captain Jesse Wood, of Headquarters 7th Brigade, said the training was highly relevant to contemporary warfare.

“There are lessons to be learned from Ukraine and the Middle East. Innovating in the FPV space is critical,” Captain Wood said.

“The course stepped us through UAV fundamentals, flight characteristics, basic controls and customising the software and settings. We also spent time in simulation before our first flight.”

Private Dan Leeks, a competitor from the 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, said the program armed him with the skills and confidence to employ FPV drones.

“We learned how to solder the boards and motors, program the drones and test-fly them. I started with no experience, but now I’d be confident employing them in my job,” Private Leeks said.

By Captain Andrew Lee, ADF

Posted in Drone, Guest Post, International, Robotics | No Comments »

Quantum Systems Acquires FERNRIDE

Friday, December 19th, 2025

As part of its expansion into a multi-domain provider, Quantum Systems acquires FERNRIDE and integrates solutions for ground autonomy.

Gilching, 17 December 2025: Quantum Systems, Europe’s market leader in AI-powered unmanned systems, today announced the acquisition of FERNRIDE. With the acquisition of FERNRIDE, Quantum Systems is expanding its leadership position from air and software intelligence to autonomous ground mobility, creating a connected, cross-domain offering for intelligent unmanned systems.

FERNRIDE offers an industry-proven software platform for ground autonomy in the areas of container terminals, defence logistics, yard operations and autonomous driving. The technology is already in use by well-known customers. In 2025, FERNRIDE became the first company to obtain TÜV approval for autonomous trucks in Europe, has already used them in initial tests with the German Armed Forces and expanded its portfolio to include defence logistics.

‘FERNRIDE has developed one of the most advanced and scalable autonomous ground platforms,’ said Martin Karkour, Chief Revenue Officer of Quantum Systems. ‘By integrating their technology into MOSAIC UXS, we are consistently implementing our vision of creating a connected ecosystem in which unmanned systems think, move and act as a single entity across different dimensions.’

‘Europe urgently needs sovereign autonomy solutions. By joining forces with Quantum Systems, we can take our technology to a new level,’ said Hendrik Kramer, CEO and co-founder of FERNRIDE. ‘Together with Quantum Systems, we are accelerating the deployment of our platform in the European defence sector, which is currently the most urgent environment globally for scaling autonomous ground systems. In the future, this experience will also be transferred back to civilian logistics applications,m making our society safer and more resilient.’

Quantum Systems’ operational experience in Ukraine has demonstrated the relevance of the interaction between air and ground robotics. The integration of FERNRIDE solutions into MOSAIC UXS, Quantum Systems’ autonomous mission software, is intended to enable multi-domain operations that improve situational awareness and decision-making. Quantum Systems’ operational experience in Ukraine has demonstrated the relevance of the interaction between air and ground robotics. The integration of FERNRIDE solutions into MOSAIC UXS, Quantum Systems’ autonomous mission software, is intended to enable multi-domain operations that improve situational awareness and decision-making.

No details regarding the financial aspects of the acquisition will be disclosed.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, Robotics | No Comments »

First European RIPSAW M3 Robotic Ground Vehicle Sold To Sweden

Friday, December 5th, 2025

HUNT VALLEY, Md., Dec. 2, 2025 – Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, and its subsidiary Howe & Howe, announced today a sale of the RIPSAW® M3 robotic ground vehicle to the government of Sweden, the product’s first European customer. The M3 is part of Textron Systems’ RIPSAW family of vehicles, designed as a rugged and reliable robotic ground vehicle that leverages a Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) to simplify integration of new payloads, controllers and autonomy suites.

Building on its reputation as a global leader in uncrewed, robotic and autonomous vehicles for land, air and sea, Textron Systems continues to invest in the design and maturation of a highly scalable, configurable family of robotic ground vehicles that deliver exceptional transportability, mission flexibility and battlefield agility. The RIPSAW M3 provides confidence to the warfighter with a powerful hybrid-electric powertrain, high ground clearance, and composite rubber track system, providing unmatched mobility in offroad, operationally relevant environments, with over 180 miles of range.

“The RIPSAW M3 is ideally suited for operations in the region because of its high performance in challenging climates and terrains,” said Vice President of Programs, Sara Willett. “Textron Systems is excited to be a trusted partner to European customers and remains focused on investing in trusted robotic platforms that enhance user safety and mission success.”

Backed by decades of proven performance and more than three million operational hours of uncrewed experience across air, land and maritime domains, Textron Systems continues to leverage its expertise to meet the demands of modern warfare.

Posted in Armoured Vehicles, Contracts, International, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on First European RIPSAW M3 Robotic Ground Vehicle Sold To Sweden

Milipol 25 – Rhode & Schwarz x ARX Robotics

Friday, November 28th, 2025

Rhode & Schwarz has long been the gold standard in Electronic Warfare. They offer systems which operate across almost the entire electromagnetic spectrum. If a frequency can carry a message, they can collect against it.

Seen here is one of their Direction Finding arrays mounted on an ARX Robotics Gereon Remote Control System. Already being used in Ukraine this robot enjoys a 100% European supply chain and has been adopted by seven countries.

This is an excellent use case for robots, to place sensors into areas which would be hazardous to humans. Dispersion of DF front ends across the battlespace allow deeper and more accurate fixes of enemy emitters.

Posted in EW, Milipol, Robotics | Comments Off on Milipol 25 – Rhode & Schwarz x ARX Robotics

European Consortium Launches iMUGS2 to Advance Interoperable Unmanned Ground Systems

Sunday, November 23rd, 2025

A European consortium uniting leading defence, research, and technology organisations from across the Union has launched the iMUGS2 project to develop the next generation of interoperable unmanned ground systems, following its successful proposal to the European Commission under its European Defence Fund (EDF) programme. The project is coordinated by Milrem Robotics.

Building on the achievements of the first iMUGS project, iMUGS2 aims to enhance Europe’s autonomy and robotics capabilities by developing a scalable, interoperable, and secure system-of-systems architecture for both unmanned and manned platforms. The project reinforces Europe’s technological sovereignty in key defence areas, including AI-driven autonomy, systems integration, communications, and command and control.

“With iMUGS2, Europe takes another significant step towards developing truly interoperable and scalable robotic forces that enhance the continent’s defence capabilities,” said Raul Rikk, Capability Development Director at Milrem Robotics. “The project promotes innovation and cooperation among European nations, ensuring that future AI-based autonomous systems can operate seamlessly together on the battlefield.”

iMUGS2 begins immediately with extensive conceptual, operational, and technical development across multiple domains. Partners will design and refine operational concepts, system architectures, and technological solutions that advance manned–unmanned teaming, autonomous functions, secure communications, and electronic protection.

In parallel, the project focuses on system integration, lifecycle efficiency, and interoperability, laying the groundwork for upcoming demonstrations and capability deployment across Europe’s defence landscape. These developments will ensure resilient, cost-effective, and future-ready unmanned systems.

About iMUGS2

With a total value of approximately €55 million and nearly €50 million in EDF funding, iMUGS2 pursues three strategic objectives: to develop and demonstrate combat-ready unmanned ground systems that support dismounted troops; to define operational concepts showing how unmanned ground and aerial systems can improve infantry battalion operations and cross-domain cooperation; and to advance modular, open architectures and lifecycle management frameworks that ensure interoperability across both legacy and future platforms.

About the Consortium:

The iMUGS2 Consortium comprises 29 partners from 15 European Union member states. The group includes large corporations, mid-sized businesses, SMEs, and research organisations. Each partner provides leading expertise in their respective fields, supporting a comprehensive vision throughout the project’s lifecycle. This diversity allows the consortium to tackle potential challenges and deliver strategic, effective solutions.

The iMUGS2 Consortium includes the following entities: AVL List, Bittium Wireless, Bureau Veritas, Czech Technical University in Prague, Cybernetica, Delft Dynamics, Diehl Defence, dotOcean, Elettronica, Escribano Mechanical and Engineering, FN Herstal, GMV, Huta Stalowa Wola, Insta Advance,  Integrated Systems Development, John Cockerill Defense, Kepla, KNDS France, KNDS Germany, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Latvijas Mobilais Telefons, ?ukasiewicz – PIAP, Milrem Robotics (project coordinator),  Nortal (Talgen Cybersecurity), Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, the Royal Military Academy of Belgium, Safran Electronics & Defense, Svensk Konstruktionstjänst and TNO.

For more information, please visit imugs.eu.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on European Consortium Launches iMUGS2 to Advance Interoperable Unmanned Ground Systems

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