The US Marine Corps is testing an incredible autonomous mini-truck as part of the 2014 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) international naval exercise program. The vehicle was developed as the result of a collaboration between the US Naval Surface Warfare Centre, Virginia Tech University and TORC Robotics.
The autonomous mini-truck is essentially an Internally Transportable Vehicle -- a jeep-like truck used by the Marine Corps -- transformed into a fully self-driving vehicle capable of cruising at 13 km/h.
The vehicle is designed to keep soldiers safe by reducing their exposure to dangerous environments, while also lightening their load by carrying supplies weighing up to 725 kg and transporting the wounded to safety.
The vehicle is capable of following some wearing a beacon at a predetermined distance.
Self-Driving Mini-Trucks
The US Marine Corps is Developing a Fully Autonomous Mini-Truck
Trend Themes
1. Autonomous Military Vehicles - The development of fully self-driving military vehicles has the potential to revolutionize battlefield logistics and minimize casualties.
2. Internal Transportation Innovation - The creation of a fully autonomous Internally Transportable Vehicle highlights the potential for disruptive innovation in transportation logistics.
3. Wearable Beacon Technology - The use of wearable beacons for autonomous vehicle navigation presents opportunities for innovation in the tracking and navigation of objects and people in various industries.
Industry Implications
1. Military - The development of autonomous military vehicles could have a significant impact on traditional military logistics and operations.
2. Transportation - The creation of a fully autonomous mini-truck has the potential to disrupt traditional transportation logistics, particularly in the shipping and delivery industry.
3. Healthcare - The use of autonomous vehicles for transporting wounded individuals can revolutionize patient transport and trauma response times in the healthcare industry.