The muttrobot is an eight-wheeled, robotic ground vehicle that can transport various equipment. It is based the Multi-Utility Tactical Transport of the company (MUTT). This was created to assist dismounted small units in carrying gear in all terrain.
It is a common feature of warfare that military vehicles are used. Every major conflict has its own unique set of military vehicles.
The American Willis, and the German Kubelwagen are both well-known for their role in World War II, and Vietnam respectively. These off-road vehicles are often seen in the desert, or by the sea. They are now icons of a particular place and time.
Recently, military robots have been used for rescue and attack missions. Numerous systems are currently in service and many others are under development.
MUTT
General Dynamics Land Systems has been contracted by the US Army to create a robot vehicle that can follow soldiers on the battlefield and transport their gear. Squad Maneuver Equipment Transport is a vehicle that allows dismounted small units of soldiers to transport upto 1,000 pounds worth of equipment. It will let them concentrate on their missions rather than lugging around heavy, backbreaking gear.
GDLS won an Army competition to design the SMET. 624 systems are expected by 2021. The initial contract totals $162.4 million and includes support hardware, user training and technical support.
SMET can be operated in a remote or forward location and carries a squad's worth of gear for a 72-hour patrol. It can keep up with the squad or lead it.
It can be outfitted with a wide range of equipment including medical kits, radios, and tactical electronic gadgets. It can be used to search for and resupply wounded or missing soldiers and can also be equipped with machine guns that provide additional protection against enemy attacks.
SMET can also remote operate remotely to supply ground commanders and provide surveillance. It can be towable from CH-47 or CH53 helicopters.
MUTT is in active service for more than 20 years and has served with over 100 armed forces around the world.
A military MUTT can drive off-road, climb stairs, and can also be remote controlled. It can be charged once and lasts seven days.
The GDLS SMET vehicle is built using its MUTT semiautonomous robotic platform. It can carry a variety different combat and support functions and payloads. It is capable of being used in search and rescue, combat operations, and resupply missions.
The MUTT can be powered by three kilowatts (or more) of battery power. This is sufficient to charge personal gadgets. It can be remotely controlled and engineered to evolve for new payloads.