AI for British: Automated supply in hostile environments

Rheinmetall has received an order from the British Ministry of Defence for the Theseus 2.2 project and has already delivered the first systems. This project involves automated supply for soldiers in hostile environments. Rheinmetall's Canadian subsidiary, Rheinmetall Canada, is cooperating with the US company Polaris Government and Defense on this project. The goal is to equip the ultra-light tactical vehicle Polaris MRZR D4 for the first time with the Rheinmetall PATH Autonomy Kit (A-kit), a navigation system supported by artificial intelligence (AI). This is a first for the project, which presents new technical challenges for Rheinmetall and demonstrates the adaptability of the PATH A-Kit.

Rheinmetall serves as the main contractor in cooperation with Polaris Government and Defense, a leading American manufacturer of ultra-light tactical vehicles, and Rheinmetall Provectus, the Ottawa-based robotics division. Polaris Defence United Kingdom will provide on-site support.

The scope of the contract includes installation, training, spare parts, and technical support for the PATH A-Kit as well as platform support for a total of eleven Polaris MRZR D4 vehicles. Once equipped with the A-Kit, the MRZR D4 will be ready for manned and remote operations, as well as autonomous supply missions in complex terrain, adverse weather conditions, and day and night.

The Rheinmetall PATH A-Kit transforms manned vehicles into optionally manned land vehicles (OCGVs). Vehicles equipped with PATH are capable of securely and reliably navigating complex terrain and adverse weather conditions, thereby reducing the risk to soldiers. Thanks to advanced artificial intelligence, PATH can autonomously navigate using sensor fusion and environment mapping. The system's standardized, open architecture allows for continuous expansion and integration of new innovations to meet customer requirements.

The Polaris MRZR D4, already used by the British Royal Marines, is a diesel-powered, ultra-light tactical vehicle for four people designed for international special operations, off-road, and reconnaissance missions. With a payload of 680 kilograms and a trailer load of 680 kilograms, it is a practical and reliable vehicle for supply tasks on the last mile.

The collaboration between Rheinmetall and Polaris provides two major companies in the defense industry with the opportunity to support allies of Canada and the USA together. It solidifies the position of Rheinmetall's Canadian branch as a globally leading company in the field of autonomous land vehicles. Rheinmetall Canada is already involved in the British Army's Robotic Platoon Vehicles program and looks forward to supporting the Expeditionary Robotic Centre of Expertise in the Theseus project and beyond.

RHEINMETALL on the Internet

POLARIS on the Internet