Marines want robot vehicles to carry infantry packs into battle

The U.S. Marine Corps has put out a request to industry to learn whether defense firms can build an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) designed to carry extra ammo, packs, food, and water for infantry squads. The effort follows an Army initiative to select an unmanned squad vehicle that can partner with infantrymen to lighten their loads. The intent is to define what it will take to prototype and deliver such an unmanned vehicle. Contractors will need to build and deliver up to three prototype unmanned systems for evaluation by the rapid capabilities office, the draft statement of objectives reads. The Marine Corps effort “will evaluate systems capable of maneuvering with a foot-mobile squad (12 Marines) from the assembly area to the objective area,” according to the solicitation.