The US Army is formalizing a tender for a new robotic infantry support vehicle to address current logistics capability gaps.
Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Deputy Director Kevin Mills said the service is eyeing an unmanned vehicle larger than the Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET) but smaller than the Palletized Load System (PLS).
The SMET is an eight-wheeled robotic vehicle that can carry up to 1,000 pounds (453 kilograms) of cargo, while the PLS is a truck-based logistics system for heavier loads.
Mills noted that “there is really a gap between the two” existing platforms, which has led to the creation of the Medium Multipurpose Equipment Transport (MMET) program.
“The hope would be to do some experimentation to help refine that requirement but that’s very early stages,” he told Breaking Defense.
The complete MMET requirements are expected to be released soon by the Combined Arms Support Command’s Sustainment Center of Excellence.
SMET Not Enough?
In November 2022, General Dynamics received a contract to produce 16 SMET vehicles for the US Army.
The robotic mule features a hybrid-electric powertrain and can be operated with a single-hand remote control.
It is designed to reduce physical strain on dismounted troops and support various missions, including combat and reconnaissance.
Despite its impressive features, the service is still searching for a larger platform that can carry more equipment while maintaining stealth.
If the MMET program proceeds, it will complement other US Army robotic development programs, such as the Robotic Combat Vehicle and the Ground Expeditionary Autonomy Retrofit Systems.
