Military robot truck convoy autonomously drives without weak fleshy humans

 

 

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Military robot truck convoy autonomously drives without weak fleshy humans
2/3/2014 10:40:00 AM

Military defence contractor Lockheed has successfully sent a robot truck convey through urban areas. They didn't crash or hit any unsuspecting pedestrians despite being human-free at the wheel.

The military want the ability to send in truck convoys, to warzones, without the need to risk soldiers sat in the driving seat. This would mean supplies can be sent to the front line without human risk, as well as getting troops out of danger.

The Autonomous Mobility Appliqué System (AMAS) program uses GPS and LIDAR to navigate. The GPS shows the truck where to go but the LIDAR "sees" obstacles using laser radar, so collisions can be avoided. Then other trucks can be added to the lead so they follow it in a convoy.

READ: 100 mph and then you let go: BMW's driverless car

Lockheed said: "The [successful] test involved driverless tactical vehicles navigating hazards and obstacles such as road intersections, oncoming traffic, stalled and passing vehicles, pedestrians and traffic circles in both urban and rural test areas."

While these smart driverless vehicles have been in development for years, including at Google. We've not seen them used in the real world yet. A battle situation, where lives rely on machines, is the ultimate test. We'll be keeping an eye on Lockheed to lead the driverless revolution.

READ: UK puts plan in place for driverless cars, will pick one city as testing ground

 

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