The mutt robot is an eight-wheeled robotic ground vehicle designed to haul a variety of equipment in the field. It's based on Multi-Utility Tactical Transport (MUTT), a company-developed vehicle that allows small dismounted units to carry gear across any terrain.
The mainstay of warfare is the use of military vehicles. Every major conflict, war, and conflict has seen specific vehicles serve a purpose, whether they are airborne, afloat or amphibious, off-road, or light reconnaissance all-terrain, vehicles that can be used for reconnaissance.
The American Willis, and the German Kubelwagen are both well-known for their role in World War II, and Vietnam respectively. These off-road, light vehicles were often used in the desert and on the sea. They have become icons of a specific time and place.
These military robot vehicles have also been used in search and rescue operations, as well as for attacks. There are many systems currently in operation and many more that are being developed.
MUTT
General Dynamics Land Systems was tapped by the US Army for the development of a robotic vehicle that will follow soldiers across battlefields and carry their gear. Squad Maneuver Equipment Transport will enable dismounted small units to carry upto 1,000 pounds of equipment, so they can focus on their missions and not lugging heavy bags.
GDLS was chosen in an Army competition to develop the SMET, with 624 systems expected by 2021. The contract covers support hardware, user training, technical support, and the initial contract at $162.4million.
SMET can operate in remote or forward locations and can carry a squad's worth gear for a 72 hour patrol. It can either 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 in resupply operations, search for missing soldiers, or to arm machine guns to protect against enemy attacks.
SMET can also remote operate remotely to supply ground commanders and provide surveillance. It can also be towed below CH-47 or CH-53 helicopters.
MUTT has served over 20-years with more 100 armed forces in all corners of the globe.
A military MUTT is capable of climbing stairs, driving off-road and can be remote controlled. It can run for seven days on a single charge, and is extremely durable.
SMET is GDLS’s semi-autonomous robotic platform MUTT. This platform can transport a wide range of combat and combat support functions, as well payloads. It can be used as a search and rescue vehicle, for combat operations and resupply, and has been shown to fulfill the US Army's Squad MAneuver Equipment Transportation requirement.
Three kilowatts are required to power the MUTT. This is enough to charge personal devices. It can be remotely controlled and engineered to evolve for new payloads.