British soldiers have been using Xbox-style controllers to remotely drive 4x4s in a military first.
The UK has been working with the US military on autonomous resupply, providing a glimpse into the future of getting much-needed supplies to the front line.
In a week-long exercise in Michigan, the UK MOD’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and organisations from the US Army’s Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) tested the all-terrain vehicles.
They also used Hoverbike drones to practice delivering supplies in the most dangerous “last mile” up to the battlefield.
Travelling at speeds of up to 25mph, the vehicles used integrated robotics to make decisions about speed, steering and other driving functions.
The new approach is designed to reduce the risk to troops and provide on-demand delivery of food, fuel or ammunition to the front line.
Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin said: “One hundred years ago we pioneered tank warfare with our US allies, and today we remain right at the forefront of military technology together.
“This exercise has proven the success of our ongoing investment in science and technology as we see concepts becoming reality.
“This particular project is spearheading solutions to the notoriously dangerous operation of supplying our frontline on the battlefield.
“Delivering crucial food, fuel and ammo remotely will help save soldiers’ lives.”
