An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | Jan. 5, 2016

Soldiers Test Robotics on 'Battlefield'

By Staff Sgt. Tramel S Garrett

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HAWAII (Jan. 4, 2016) -- Picture a hot summer day in Afghanistan, and a company of 25th Infantry Division Soldiers preparing to move to a new area of operation. Instead of using their legs and backs, these Soldiers are fortunate enough to have a small robot to help them on the battlefield.

It could provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance without putting Soldiers in harm's way. Technology like this can be the future of the battlefield and 25th Infantry Division Soldiers are testing this theory.

"This training event has been an exercise to address the basis of issue for Soldier multi-use equipment transport robots in the Pacific region," said Joseph Alexander, Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineer Center, or TARDEC, representative.

Working with the Tropic Lightning Soldiers first hand is how Army research labs could extend the reach and capability of a platoon or company.

"Robotics have a very important place in the future of modern warfare. We want to keep the Soldiers out of harms way, especially when it comes to mundane activities, and a machine with intelligence or operated with a man in the loop may keep them safe," Alexander said.

According to a U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, or RDECOM, article, U.S. Army science and technology advisors initiated this project to field robots capable of assessing chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosives, or CBRNE, threats from a safe distance.

Additionally, the robots caught the eye of a group of combat medics with their ability to evacuate a casualty out of harm's way during a simulation.

"When you're carrying a casualty with a Skedco [plastic sled], two guys are out of the fight. Having a robot we will have an effective fire team in the fight," said Sgt. Michael Murphy, 1st Battalion, 27 Infantry Regiment.

"This would be extremely helpful on the battlefield. The number one thing would be fire superiority and not sustaining any additional casualties," Murphy added.

Freedom of maneuver is also a goal of this technology. This idea involves equipment taken out of a rucksack and mounted on a robot with the ability to move through a jungle environment.

"We have to give Soldier and Army leadership a level of comfort when using autonomous technology. This is the simple form of this technology. We are hoping to gradually increase that capability, as Soldiers become more comfortable when using robots," said Drew Downing, RDECOM science advisor to U.S. Army Pacific.

Working hand-in-hand with Soldiers and using tactics, techniques and procedures is the formula used to understand how Soldiers will use the technology in the future.

"Soldiers are very creative or innovative, and they will find ways to use it, but we help them find that out in a controlled environment," Downing said.

CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                      

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
BH 25-1: Kadena’s fighter presence remains unwavering
U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptors assigned to the 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxi down the runway during a base-wide readiness exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 15, 2025. The transition to more modern aircraft at Kadena exemplifies the U.S. Air Force’s continued commitment to enhancing posture and building on the strong foundation of the U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Arnet Shayne Tamayo)
Jan. 17, 2025 - U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptors and F-15C Eagle fly training missions during a routine readiness exercise, Jan. 15, 2025...

Singapore Army and US Army Talks Vital to Growing Partnership
The Singaporean and U.S. Army Staff Talks held on January 8-9, 2025, at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, represent the military partnership between the United States and Singapore, underscoring our commitment to enhancing defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Jan. 16, 2025 - The Singapore Army-U.S. Army Staff Talks, held at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, on January 8-9, 2025, reaffirm the enduring partnership between the United States and Singapore. This collaboration underscores our nation’s commitment...

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command hosts Commander’s Conference
Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, delivers opening remarks to senior joint-force leaders attending the Commanders Conference at the USINDOPACOM Headquarters on Camp H. M. Smith in Hawaii, Jan. 15-16, 2025. USINDOPACOM persistently integrates and employs credible, all-domain combat power in order to deter aggression, prevent and respond to crisis, and, if necessary, conduct decisive joint and combined operations to prevail in conflict. Integrating our operations in support of and supported by other U.S. Government agencies, the joint force will persistently operate in and across all domains to defend the homeland, deter strategic attack, counter aggression, protect U.S. interests throughout the Indo-Pacific, and enhance U.S. alliances and partnerships. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John Bellino)
Jan. 16, 2025 - Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, hosted more than 40 senior joint-force leaders for two days of engagements focused on strategy, capabilities, and force posture in the Indo-Pacific, Jan. 15-16,...

U.S. Naval intelligence officials visit the Philippines to strengthen partnership with key ally
DDNI is greeted by members of the Philippines armed forces during an official visit to Manila on January 14, 2025.
Jan. 16, 2025 - On January 14, U.S. Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence Mr. Steve Parode and U.S. Assistant Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence Ms. Sandra Brown conducted a strategic visit to the Philippines, marking a significant...

BH 25-1: Fighting Falcons practice ACE
A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron takes off in support of an 18th Wing routine readiness exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Japan, Jan. 15, 2025. While deployed to the Keystone of the Pacific, the 77th EFS ensures continued steady-state fighter capabilities in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sav Ford)
Jan. 16, 2025 - The 18th Wing tested Agile Combat Employment objectives during a base-wide, routine readiness exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 8-15, 2025...