US Army Selects Five Firms to Develop Medium Autonomous Tactical Logistics Platforms

The US Army has selected five firms to develop medium-sized autonomous robotic platform prototypes for tactical logistics under a new program.

AM General, American Rheinmetall, Carnegie Robotics, HDT Robotics, and Stratom will develop prototypes to automate battlefield logistics.

Under Project Sustainment, the US Army’s Capability Program Executive Office Mission Autonomy aims to keep soldiers off high-risk resupply routes while ensuring 24/7 logistics support in contested environments.

The service plans to begin field testing the new capability with operational units in early 2027.

Evolution of ‘Robotic Mule’

The initiative builds on lessons from the Medium Multipurpose Equipment Transport (M-MET) program, which evolved from the Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) robotic mule.

Designed to accompany dismounted squads, the S-MET carries heavy loads, reducing soldiers’ physical burden while improving mobility. It can also be fitted with mission modules for casualty evacuation, sensors, engineer equipment, or remote weapon stations.

The M-MET was intended to bridge the gap between the squad-level S-MET and larger autonomous logistics vehicles like those envisioned under Project Sustainment.

Citing AM General Vice President of Future Programs Shatiel Edwards, Inside Defense reported that the M-MET program was ultimately absorbed into Project Sustainment.

BLADE’s Offering

Among the selected companies, BLADE (formerly HDT Robotics) has proposed the Dire WOLF platform, a six-wheeled diesel-electric hybrid based on its WOLF-X robotic combat vehicle. 

Built for extreme environments, it can carry thousands of pounds of cargo and uses pivot steering and non-pneumatic Michelin Tweels to navigate steep slopes, wide gaps, and two-foot vertical steps.

Its onboard battery pack also provides exportable power for forward-edge operations.

“We’re excited to partner with the Army, NAMC, Michelin and Carnegie Robotics on this critical program,” President of Robotics at BLADE Tom Van Doren said.

“The Dire WOLF joins the Hunter WOLF and WOLF-X pack to directly reduce risk to the warfighter. By leveraging advanced autonomy and proven UGV performance, we are ensuring that essential supplies reach soldiers at the tactical edge – safely and reliably.”