- AM General unveiled a next generation autonomous UGV at AUSA Global Force designed to support military logistics and reduce risk to personnel in contested environments
- The platform integrates autonomy systems from Carnegie Robotics and Textron Systems and introduces a new powertrain intended for future light tactical vehicles including the HUMVEE
AM General on March 24 unveiled a next-generation Unmanned Ground Vehicle at the Association of the United States Army Global Force Symposium & Exposition in Huntsville, Alabama.
The company said the platform introduces a new direction for its light tactical vehicle portfolio, combining autonomous capability with a redesigned powertrain intended for future military systems.
The new UGV is designed for logistics missions and features a reconfigurable cargo deck to support multiple operational roles. The company said the platform includes a wireless remote-controlled service crane and a modular cargo fastening system, allowing it to adapt to different payloads and mission requirements.
As noted by the company, the vehicle is being developed in collaboration with Carnegie Robotics and Textron Systems. The system integrates Carnegie Robotics’ autonomy technology and Textron Systems’ control layer, which the partners said enables reliable operation in complex and contested environments.
“We are excited to showcase the next generation of innovation at AUSA Global Force,” said John Chadbourne, incoming president and chief executive officer of AM General. “The UGV is a groundbreaking capability for Army logistics needs. We’re also envisioning the additional benefits of this flexible platform and is an example of what collaborative industry initiatives can deliver.”
The platform on display also carries a smaller unmanned ground vehicle, the FireAnt system developed by Swarmbotics AI. The company described FireAnt as a low-cost, attritable system designed to extend situational awareness and support operations in high-risk environments.
Technically, the UGV is powered by a new turbocharged 6.5-liter eight-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and more than 550 pound-feet of torque. The company said the engine uses a common rail direct injection system and is designed to support fuel flexibility, with applications planned beyond the UGV itself.
AM General said the same powertrain will underpin future light tactical vehicles, including updates to the HUMVEE platform. This indicates that the development is not limited to a single unmanned system but is part of a broader effort to modernize the company’s vehicle lineup.
Textron Systems said its contribution focuses on the hardware and software control layer that enables autonomous operation. Sara Willett, vice president of programs at Textron Systems, said, “By connecting intent to robotic execution, our control layer delivers reliable, consistent performance for autonomous ground vehicles operating in challenging environments.”
Carnegie Robotics also emphasized the use of modular autonomy systems designed for scalability and cost control. Leo Agafonov, director of technical operations, said the partnership integrates a “robust, low-cost autonomy stack and modular hardware kit” to accelerate deployment of unmanned systems.
The UGV is intended to perform resupply and support tasks without requiring a crew onboard. This can include transporting equipment, ammunition, or other supplies across terrain where human-operated vehicles may face higher risk from surveillance or attack.