In a significant advancement for military operations, US soldiers have successfully tested Overland AI’s ULTRA autonomous ground vehicles in 15 live mission scenarios. The exercises involved a series of activities crucial for operational readiness, including pre-mission checks, payload integration, and munition loading.
Troops utilized Overland’s OverWatch interface, allowing for real-time planning, launching, and adjustment of operations as the missions unfolded. Among the tasks assigned to the ULTRA vehicles were kinetic and electronic warfare breaching, as well as the deployment of various payloads, including drones. One of the standout features of ULTRA is its ability to adapt missions under rapidly changing field conditions. Operators could re-task vehicles and adjust payload configurations in response to enemy movements, all while under time-sensitive pressures.
The company highlighted that planning for intricate, dual terrain-shaping missions—incorporating over 20 checkpoints and five tasks per vehicle—was accomplished in under three minutes. “Nearly every phase of the operation—from munition loading to software-based replanning—was in the hands of the Soldier. We saw real independence from the operator, not just in planning and execution, but in adapting tactics in real time,” remarked Chris Merz, director of product at Overland AI.
Unveiled in April, the ULTRA vehicle is engineered for operations in complex and high-risk environments, including areas that lack GPS access. The autonomous ground vehicle can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour and is capable of carrying payloads weighing up to 1,000 pounds. Its modular design allows it to perform a variety of missions, ranging from reconnaissance and maneuver support to counter-drone defense and logistical operations in challenging zones.
The launch of ULTRA follows Overland AI’s successful acquisition of an $18.6 million contract last year as part of the US Army and Defense Innovation Unit’s Robotic Combat Vehicle Program, which aims to enhance the integration of unmanned systems to better support frontline troops. This groundbreaking technology underscores a shift towards increased autonomy in military operations, offering soldiers greater flexibility and efficiency in the field.
