Unmanned ground vehicles improve soldier safety

Robotics and autonomous systems that will help soldiers safely move heavy loads are being introduced within the Australian Army.

The Australian Army will fund the purchase of an additional four unmanned ground vehicles and accessories from Queensland company Praesidium Global, at a total acquisition cost of $2 million.

“The unmanned ground vehicles will be used by the Army to support a 12-month user evaluation trial within the 2018–19 financial year,” said Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne.

“Unmanned ground vehicles will enhance the Army’s capability through assisting our soldiers with a range of manual handling tasks, such as moving heavy loads and field equipment, and casualty evacuations.

“During the trial, the Army will continue to explore the utility of robotics and autonomous systems and develop an understanding of how they can be best employed to support our soldiers.”

Andrew Wallace, Federal Member for Fisher — where Praesidium Global is based — said that this contract was another great win for the growing Sunshine Coast defence industry.

“The Sunshine Coast is fast emerging as an Australian defence industry hub. I have been working hard to support this growth with my Fisher Defence Industry Initiative, collaborating closely with local companies including Praesidium Global,” Wallace said.

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