Polaris Industries Inc., Applied Research Associates Inc. (ARA) and Neya Systems LLC have teamed to offer the U.S. Army the MRZR X for the Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET) program, according to a Polaris Industries press release. The SMET program seeks a ground robotic vehicle designed to carry supplies and combat gear for a squad. Team Polaris leverages advanced unmanned systems technology from ARA and the autonomous systems expertise of Neya Systems in the MRZR® X.
“The MRZR X provides a modular, multi-mission platform for the U.S. Army’s SMET program to provide squad overmatch, no matter what the mission. It is based on the very familiar Polaris MRZR platform – and creates an optionally manned platform,” said John Olson, PhD, vice president and general manager of Polaris Government and Defense. “Off-road autonomy is challenging, but no one does off-road better than Polaris. And absolutely no one does off-road robotics and autonomy better than ARA and Neya Systems.”
The MRZR X will add unmanned capability to the proven MRZR platform. Polaris Industries photo
The modular MRZR is a popular platform in the U.S. military, including SOCOM and the U.S. Marine Corps, as well as more than 25 allied countries, according to the company. The MRZR X will supplement the well-known capabilities of the MRZR with unmanned autonomy to meet SMET base requirements.
“With the combined skills and expertise of Neya Systems and ARA, we’re able to bring world-class robotic solutions to Team Polaris to provide the U.S. soldier with advanced capabilities, a lightened physical load, and increased situational awareness to equip them for the multi-domain battlefield,” says ARA’s President and CEO, Rob Sues, PhD.