BAE Systems unveiled the Armed Robotic Demonstrator at the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition. (Photo: Business Wire)

The demonstrator is an early prototype of an armed robotic vehicle equipped with operative turret components from the Bradley Combat Systems program.

The Armed Robotic Demonstrator can be controlled from the operator's station in the back of a manned system - illustrated from the crew compartment of a Bradley at AUSA. Gun and turret position, as well as information from a Commander's Independent Viewer (CIV), and the Improved Bradley Acquisition System (IBAS) can be seen on a screen in the Bradley.

"As soldiers dismount, they take a Dismounted Control Device (DCD) along, and continue to operate the Armed Robotic Demonstrator, receiving information on the single screen on the DCD," said Steve Hammond, BAE Systems project manager for the Armed Robotic Demonstrator.

The Armed Robotic Demonstrator displays the existing robotic technologies available for use by today's forces. The Armed Robotic Demonstrator provides an immediate system to illustrate advanced robotic technologies, and provide engineers a hands-on prototype to assist in their design efforts. As the components for robotic vehicles are designed and built, they will be substituted for these Bradley components.

The Armed Robotic Demonstrator is equipped with advanced capability - leveraging some of the proven capabilities available on the Bradley by utilizing robust, existing components. These components provide the demonstrator with the high lethality obtained with the first-round hit, and the ability for the turret to slew to a cue from the Commander's Independent Viewer.

Planned enhancements include advanced robotic technology for autonomous mobility. This capability allows the Armed Robotic Demonstrator to plan routes, maneuver on the planned route, and avoid obstacles - all without operator intervention.

BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defense and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. The company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, combat vehicles, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems.

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