The eight-wheeled robot ground vehicle called the mutt is designed to carry a variety of equipment out 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.
They are an integral part of warfare. 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 were both famous for their service in Vietnam and World War II. 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.
Recently, military robots have been used for rescue and attack missions. There are many systems currently in operation and many more that are being developed.
MUTT
General Dynamics Land Systems is being tapped by US Army to design a robotic vehicle capable of following soldiers across the battlefield and carrying 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 contract includes support hardware, training for users and technical support.
SMET can be deployed in remote or forward locations. SMET carries enough gear for 72 hours of patrolling. It can keep up with the squad or lead it.
You can equip it with various equipment, including radios, tactical electronic devices and medical kits. 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.
In addition, SMET can be remotely operated to resupply units and provide surveillance for ground commanders in the field. It can also be towed below CH-47 or CH-53 helicopters.
MUTT has been serving over 20 years in the service of more than 100 armed forces across the globe.
A military MUTT can drive off-road, climb stairs, and can also be remote controlled. It can run for seven consecutive days on a single battery and is very durable.
The GDLS's SMET car is built on the MUTT semi-autonomous robot platform. It can carry a variety of combat and support functions as well as payloads. It is capable of being used in search and rescue, combat operations, and resupply missions.
Three kilowatts are required to power the MUTT. This is enough to charge personal devices. It can be remotely controlled and is engineered to evolve for new payloads, new controllers and increased levels of autonomy.