Army deploying robotic 'mule' to troops in Afghanistan.

• Author: Jean, Grace V.
• Position: Unmanned Systems

The Army is deploying an unmanned ground vehicle to troops in Afghanistan for a several-month long evaluation in combat operations. Developed by Lockheed Martin Corp., the squad mission support system is a six-wheeled semi-autonomous vehicle weighing 3,800 pounds that will haul heavy loads for soldiers in the mountainous country.

"This will be the largest autonomous ground vehicle deployed with combat forces," said Myron Mills, the program's manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "They will have to rethink how they do their jobs," he said.

Infantry soldiers have long complained about having to lug rucksacks weighed down by the necessities of modern warfare: batteries for digital devices, communications gear, ammunition and even ladders.

The Army is sending four vehicles to a light infantry unit that is already in theater. Its soldiers are conducting daily patrol operations and are expected to employ the robotic vehicle in those situations to haul the squad's heavy gear, water, ammunition and other supplies.

The robots will each carry a soldier battery recharge station, capable of replenishing portable power suppliers ranging from AA-sized batteries to the larger energy packs that run military communication gear.

"We think this system is going to offer a lot of versatility," said Mills.

One of the unique characteristics of the robotic mule is a "follow me" operating mode. The vehicle will memorize the optical profile or shape and size of a person that it is told to follow, and it will track the person and stay a certain distance behind, moving around obstacles that fall in its path.

Lockheed officials are interested...