Technological Breakthrough: Army Successfully Tests Remote-Controlled Weapon System
The Australian Army recently announced a significant advancement in technology with the successful firing from a remote weapon system mounted on a remotely operated vehicle.
This groundbreaking test was carried out using an Australian Army M113AS4 armoured logistics vehicle at the Puckapunyal Military Area in Victoria on 7th June. The demonstration was part of a human-machine collaboration exercise led by the Australian Army’s Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office (RICO).
RICO’s mission during this exercise was to integrate multiple state-of-the-art technology projects in a mock future warfare scenario. The Land Autonomous Systems and Teaming demo saw RICO operating drones, robotic units, and optionally manned combat vehicles equipped with remote weapon systems, effectively neutralizing a simulated adversary.
Key highlights of the operation included using two drone groups for real-time surveillance and communication disruption against simulated enemy forces. This was followed by the engagement from M113AS4 vehicles and a subsequent wave of armed drones. These drones employed image recognition capabilities to classify dead, injured, and surrendering opponents, all while being backed by tanks.
The technological equipment showcased during this trial incorporated W&E Platt’s Remotely Operated Weapons Platform and Electro Optic Systems’ R400 MK2 remote weapon system.
Colonel Robin Smith, RICO’s director, emphasized the importance of staying at the forefront of technological advancements to ensure Australia’s strategic advantage. He noted, “Given the global pace of innovation, it’s vital we grasp how to harness and defend against these technologies. Our objective is to equip the Army with a unique edge.”
The ultimate aim of this achievement is to develop a fortified combined arms team to minimize risks to the army personnel. The exercise displayed an array of technologies, including drones for surveillance and electronic warfare, robotic quadrupeds for battlefield clearance, manned and unmanned combat vehicles for supportive firepower, and self-guided convoys for battlefield resupply tasks.
Colonel Smith also highlighted the potential of quantum technology, which promises advancements in communication, encryption, computing, simulation, and imaging. He added, “While we’re still exploring its full potential, we’re making strides.”
Excitingly, in collaboration with academic institutions, RICO has employed advanced quantum sensors that can detect trains located over 70 metres underground using compact notebook-sized systems. They are also exploring a prototype for an electric vehicle with enhanced features such as reduced noise and heat emissions, superior acceleration, agility, and reduced mechanical parts.
Notably, self-guided trucks in convoys were also introduced on public roads in June.
Reiterating the vision behind these advancements, COL Smith said, “The optimum utilization of autonomy is achieved through human-machine collaboration. Our goal is to examine the synergy between humans and smart machines.”
