The U.S. Army has selected Team Polaris—made up of Polaris Industries Inc., Applied Research Associates Inc. (ARA) and Neya Systems LLC—and its advanced MRZR X multi-mode vehicle platform to be one of the robotic systems used by infantry brigade combat teams for the next year of trials, as part of the Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET) program.

Warfighters using the MRZR X are provided with a “modular, multi-mission support platform” that has several modes of operation, from traditional operator driving to multiple levels of autonomy, including the capability for remote control, teleoperation, follow-me, leader-follower and full autonomy.

Different modes of operation allow the MRZR X to “enhance and evolve mobility” in various roles such as, but not limited to, service as a robotic equipment mule, autonomous resupply vehicle, and rescue mission enabler.

“The optionally-manned MRZR X helps ease the transition from manned vehicles to unmanned because it maintains the functionality, drivability and multi-mission capability of a traditional MRZR,” says Patrick Zech, program manager, Polaris Government and Defense.

“Providing the Army with the option for high speed operations or missions with a soldier driving behind a traditional steering wheel is an important part of our offering.”

The advanced MRZR X fully integrates the autonomy systems, and optimally places the sensors to “safeguard the technology,” while keeping the physical and software architecture open so it can spiral in future technology.

Thanks to a powerful and reliable vehicle drivetrain, longer missions, high speeds and silent drive when needed are all attainable on the MRZR platform.