Kodiak Robotics, a player in the self-driving trucking sector, has announced a collaboration with Textron Systems to develop a new driverless military vehicle. The partnership will see Kodiak integrate its autonomous technology, the Kodiak Driver, into a purpose-built prototype developed by Textron Systems.
Unlike a retrofit of an existing vehicle, this new prototype is being designed from the ground up, highlighting the innovative approach of both companies. Textron Systems, known for its expertise in developing air, land, and sea vehicles, is considered a leader in military ground vehicle manufacturing.
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This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Kodiak, as it represents the first time its technology will be integrated into a vehicle designed without any space for a human driver. Previously, Kodiak had revealed an autonomous test vehicle for the American military, based on a Ford F-150 pickup, as part of a $50 million deal with the United States Department of Defense.
The new vehicle, equipped with the Kodiak Driver and DefensePods, will undergo official unveiling later this year, accompanied by driverless demonstrations. The DefensePods, adapted from Kodiak’s modular SensorPods, are pre-built enclosures designed specifically for military use, housing the sensors necessary for autonomous driving. They can be easily swapped out in under 10 minutes by a trained technician, ideal for field operations where efficiency is crucial.
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Don Burnette, Founder and CEO of Kodiak, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “Collaborating with Textron Systems will allow us to showcase the capabilities of Kodiak’s AI-powered, driverless technology in military, off-road environments.” He emphasized the potential to bring new capabilities to ground systems, supporting the warfighter effectively.
David Phillips of Textron Systems highlighted the partnership as a significant advancement, stating, “This collaboration represents a major step forward in delivering a mission-ready autonomous system.”
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As the companies prepare to unveil the new vehicle and demonstrate its capabilities, discussions are also underway regarding future opportunities with the U.S. Department of Defense and other allied nations. Both Kodiak and Textron Systems aim to accelerate the integration of automated technology into ground vehicles, enhancing military operations with cutting-edge autonomous capabilities.
