A New Era in Autonomous Military Applications
In a significant development, Kodiak Robotics has unveiled its first autonomous test vehicle for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). The vehicle, a Ford F-150 pickup truck, has been upfitted with Kodiak’s software and sensor stack, marking a crucial step towards advancing autonomous military applications.
Autonomous Surveillance and Reconnaissance Missions
The DOD is using the vehicle to test autonomous surveillance and reconnaissance missions in off-road terrain, diverse operational conditions, and GPS-challenged environments. This collaboration aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Kodiak’s technology in various scenarios, paving the way for potential future partnerships between the company and the Army.
A $50 Million Contract
Kodiak won a two-year contract worth $50 million with the Army in December 2022. The startup now has another year to build and deliver two off-road-capable vehicles based on the F-150. If the pilot project is successful, Kodiak could become one of the Army’s future partners in advancing autonomous military applications.
A Vision for Autonomous Military Applications
According to Don Burnette, CEO and co-founder of Kodiak Robotics, "Ultimately, the battlefield of tomorrow is going to be autonomous." He emphasized the need to get men and women out of harm’s way and highlighted the potential of technology to take us into the future of contested environments.
Commercializing Self-Driving Trucks
While Kodiak’s go-to-market strategy centers around commercializing self-driving trucks, many advanced mobility companies are exploring the military as a quicker path to revenue. The Army has been actively pursuing various projects dedicated to autonomous driving, and the Air Force has signed on with electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) companies like Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation to boost advanced aerial technology in national defense strategies.
A Modular Software and Sensor Stack
As part of its partnership with the DOD, Kodiak is providing the software and sensor suite. The company will work with hardware providers on integrating the Kodiak Driver onto a next-gen, purpose-built, ground reconnaissance vehicle, which has not yet been designed or built. Kodiak’s modular, swappable SensorPods are being adapted for defense applications, offering flexibility and ease of integration.
The Importance of Modular Design
Kodiak emphasizes the importance of its modular design, allowing the software and sensor stack to be integrated into multiple different vehicle types and serve various use cases. This approach provides a strategic advantage in adapting to diverse environments and applications.
A Dual-Use Environment
Burnette noted that Kodiak’s autonomous driving system was developed with a focus on dual-use environments, enabling it to work effectively outside of over-the-road highways. This adaptability is seen as a significant asset in the development of autonomous military applications.
Topics
- Autonomous vehicles: The cutting-edge technology driving innovation in transportation
- Department of Defense (DOD): A leader in adopting autonomous solutions for military applications
- Kodiak Robotics: A pioneering company pushing the boundaries of autonomous mobility
About the Author
Rebecca Bellan is a senior reporter covering transportation for TechCrunch. With a background in journalism and history from Boston University, she has written extensively on topics such as micromobility, EVs, AVs, smart cities, AI, sustainability, and more.
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