The mutt robot is an eight-wheeled robotic ground vehicle designed to haul a variety of equipment in the field. The mutt robot is based upon the Multi-Utility Tactical Transport system (MUTT) of the company and was designed to allow small dismounted units to transport gear on 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 light off-road vehicles, which were designed to be used in deserts or at sea, have been a symbol of a certain time and place.
These military robot vehicles have also been used in search and rescue operations, as well as for attacks. Many systems are in use at the moment, and many more are in development.
MUTT
General Dynamics Land Systems has been contracted by the US Army to create a robot vehicle that can follow soldiers on the battlefield and transport their gear. Squad Maneuver Equipment Transport, (SMET), will allow dismounted small units to transport up to 1,000 pounds of equipment with soldiers. This allows them to focus on their mission and not worry about lugging heavy loads.
GDLS was selected to develop the SMET in an Army competition. The SMET is expected to have 624 systems by 2021. The $162.4 million contract includes hardware support, user training, and technical support.
SMET is able to operate from a forward or remote location. SMET can also transport a squad's worth equipment for a 72-hour patrol. It can follow the squad or lead them.
It can be equipped with a variety of equipment such as medical kits, radios and tactical electronic devices. It can be used for resupply and search for missing or wounded soldiers. Additionally, it can be equipped with machine guns to add protection against enemy attack.
SMET can also be remotely operated to supply units and monitor ground commanders. It can be towable from CH-47 or CH53 helicopters.
MUTT is in active service for more than 20 years and has served with over 100 armed forces around the world.
A military MUTT is capable of climbing stairs, driving off-road and can be remote controlled. It can be charged once and lasts seven days.
The GDLS SMET vehicle is built using its MUTT semiautonomous robotic platform. It can carry a variety different combat and support functions and payloads. It can be used for search & rescue, combat operations and resupply missions, and has been demonstrated to meet the US Army's Squad Maneuver Equipment Transport requirement.
Three kilowatts is the battery power required to run the MUTT. This can charge personal squad devices. It can be controlled remotely and can evolve to support new payloads, controllers, and higher levels of autonomy.