38-ton combat vehicle’s systems to be controlled by voice, deliver more battle power

A new deal signed between two defense companies is set to bring human machine teaming to armored vehicles. Rheinmetall and defense technology startup Breaker’s new deal marks a step change in armoured vehicle operations. The partnership has successfully demonstrated human machine teaming using the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle in Australia.Breaker’s tactical orchestration agent will be integrated into the Australian Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) through the platform’s open architecture, allowing the crew to control teams of autonomous systems by voice. Combining crewed and uncrewed platforms The step aims to boost operations‘ capability by combining crewed and uncrewed platforms to extend the Boxer’s reach and situational awareness without adding personnel. It will enhance survivability and lethality on the battlefield by reinforcing the Boxer crew with teams of robots, allowing them to stay entirely mission-focused. “The Boxer CRV, delivered through LAND400 Phase Two, is the most advanced land platform in service with the Australian Army. Its open architecture makes integration of novel force multipliers, such as Breaker’s software, essentially ‘plug and play’,” said Nathan Poyner, Managing Director, Rheinmetall Defence Australia.The two companies worked together at impressive speed, integrating Breaker’s software into Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s simulator in a matter of weeks and demonstrating a working capability on the Boxer within six months of the first conversation. Demonstration provided clear evidence that seamless crewed and uncrewed collaboration In the demonstration to the customer, a single crew member with less than 30 minutes training, commanded a swarm of drones through the standard-issue microphone and headset in the Boxer, while simultaneously operating the vehicle and performing their regular duties. The demonstration provided clear evidence that seamless crewed and uncrewed collaboration can keep human operators safe on the front line, according to a press release.“Integrating platforms with autonomy solutions is about enhancing crew survivability and mission effectiveness,” said Poyner. “What we’ve been able to demonstrate with Breaker, after only six months of working together, is a Boxer operator controlling autonomous systems with their voice as they would talk to any member of their crew. This achievement is testament to Rheinmetall’s open architecture approach and Breaker’s platform agnostic software.”Under the LAND400 Phase 2 project awarded in 2018, Rheinmetall is delivering 211 Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles that are expected to be in service for the next 30 years. This partnership with Breaker has potential to expand across various capabilities and vehicle types, both in Australia and globally, as per the release.“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Rheinmetall on the next generation of armoured vehicle operations,” said Michael Irwin, co-founder and co-CEO of Breaker. “Boxer is a tested, validated, and integrated capability and Breaker’s tactical orchestration layer allows crews to work with teams of robots in a way they’ve never been able to before. This integration makes the Boxer more lethal and more survivable in the future fight with less crew. It makes every vehicle the centre of its own autonomous formation.”Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Prabhat, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, is a tech and defense journalist. While he enjoys writing on modern weapons and emerging tech, he has also reported on global politics and business. He has been previously associated with well-known media houses, including the International Business Times (Singapore Edition) and ANI.