Australian Defence Showcases Cutting-Edge Robotics and Autonomous Systems at Puckapunyal
Photo: Cpl Michael Currie
The Puckapunyal military area in Victoria became a hub of innovation as representatives from the defence industry, engineers, and Australian Defence Force personnel, including members of the 1st Armoured Regiment, gathered for the Land Autonomous Systems and Teaming Demonstration (LAST-D).
This event featured a range of advanced technologies, including the M113 optionally crewed combat vehicles, remotely operated platforms, and a remotely controlled mini-gun. These systems are part of the Australian Army’s drive to integrate robotics and autonomous technologies into their operations.
“LAST-D is Army’s capstone emerging technology event for 2024,” according to Defence. “It showcased a broad spectrum of technology under development within Defence and the broader defence industry.”
The demonstration is a key milestone in the Army’s ongoing commitment to its 2022 Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Strategy. This strategy aims to explore new ways to integrate human operators with intelligent machines through three core themes: intelligent machines, machine-to-machine teaming, and human-to-machine teaming.
Key benefits expected from RAS technology include:
- Maximising soldier performance
- Enhancing decision-making capabilities
- Generating scalable effects and mass
- Strengthening force protection
- Improving operational efficiency
The event also highlighted various innovative systems, such as:
- The Australian Army’s Hawkei vehicle, fitted with a 30mm remote weapon station
- An optionally crewed combat vehicle, equipped with a remotely controlled mini-gun
- OWL-B loitering munitions
- Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
These cutting-edge platforms aim to reduce human exposure to danger, improve battlefield performance, and enhance overall mission success. With the ongoing development and testing of these technologies, the Australian Defence Force is positioning itself as a leader in the use of autonomous systems on the battlefield.
This demonstration reflects the growing collaboration between Defence and the defence industry, working together to develop solutions that will shape the future of military operations in Australia.
