The AGVT program is designed to:
- Build on the IR&D efforts of contractors such as General Dynamics, Hughes Aircraft, and Cadillac Gage.
- Integrate technology developed in other robotic vehicle programs such as the Autonomous Land Vehicle (ALV) road following algorithms.
- Demonstrate the results of these efforts in combat scenarios.
The demonstrations are intended to prove the operational utility of robotics technology for the next generation of combat vehicles, and to provide graphic evidence of near and mid-term capabilities for those who author future systems requirements.
The first AGVT demonstration is a route reconnaissance mission in which RRV 3 is teleoperated from a remote location and operates autonomously, using the ALV road following system. As part of the planned course, RRV 3 will encounter varied terrain conditions.
The AGVT program data will permit in-depth mission analysis and evaluation. Future robotic missions will increase soldier survivability during performance of combat functions such as anti-armor, artillery, countermine, and combat support (rearm, refuel, and recovery).
The Advanced Ground Vehicle Technology (AGVT) program was established as a team effort between Government and Industry. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)--the AGVT program sponsor, and Tank Automotive Command (TACOM)-the managing Army Materiel Command (AMC) agency, selected General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) to lead the AGVT program. GDLS has teamed with Hughes Aircraft Company (НАС) and Cadillac Gage Company for the integration and demonstration of innovative robotic technology.
General Dynamics is the team lead, system integrator, and developer of Vetronics, Command & Control, and Guidance & Control technology. A 40 year commitment to combat vehicle development assures proven capabilities in system integration and hardware development.
Hughes Aircraft Company, a recognized leader in the development of image understanding, signal processing, communications, and artificial intelligence systems, has applied that expertise directly to the AGVT program. НАС has produced the Reconnaissance Mission Module, Teleoperated Sensor Module, Communications, and a Map and Planning System for the AGVT demonstration vehicle.
Together, GDLS and HAC have adapted and integrated into the AGVT system, the road following algorithms developed by Martin Marietta as part of the Autonomous Land Vehicle (ALV) program.
Cadillac Gage, a world leader in the production of combat systems, and controls, supplied the vehicle being used as the AGVT demonstrator... the Robotic Research Vehicle 3 (RRV 3). Cadillac Gage developed the servo control technology demonstrated in RRV 3. This includes the embedded diagnostics and sensory feedback that makes the teleoperator feel he is actually in the vehicle.
The U.S. Army Armor Center, Ft. Knox, is the lead Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) representing the user community in establishing robotic combat vehicle requirements. Additional Government program support has been supplied by the Engineering Topographic Laboratory (ETL) and the Infantry Center at Ft. Benning.