Overland AI has integrated its autonomous ground navigation technology into General Dynamics’ Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET) vehicle.
The vehicle was upgraded with Overland AI’s OverDrive software, SPARK hardware platform, and OverWatch tactical interface to enable autonomous functionality.
The integration was tested over two weeks during Project Convergence Capstone 5, a key US Army event for testing emerging technologies.
Troops received hands-on training with Overland AI’s autonomous platform, gaining the skills to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain the system independently.
The demonstration also featured two payload integrations, a trailer carrying a mine-clearing UAS for lane breaching, and a drone launcher developed by Stratin Engineering, mounted on the SMET to deploy small expendable drones.
“Breaching exercises continue to demonstrate the maturity of our capability and the tactical benefit of removing humans from some of the most dangerous missions,” said Byron Boots, co-founder and chief executive officer of Overland AI.
Based in Seattle, Overland AI is advancing ground autonomy for defense as part of the Sandhills Project, which aims to develop robotic breaching solutions for large-scale combat operations.
The company previously secured an $18.6-million contract with the US Army and the Defense Innovation Unit to support the Robotic Combat Vehicle program.
OverWatch Tactical Interface
OverWatch is a command-and-control interface designed for tactical mission coordination in contested environments.
It allows a single operator to manage multiple autonomous ground vehicles equipped with Overland AI’s autonomy software.
The system supports tactical swarming and advanced mission planning under degraded communications and GPS-denied conditions.
It is developed in coordination with DARPA, the US Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command.
