Automated vehicle capability in development with Rheinmetall
NewsFebruary 28, 2020
AUSTRALIA. Rheinmetall announced the launch of its first Australian research and technology program, the Autonomous Combat Warrior (ACW) program. Under this program, Rheinmetall’s Australian, German, and Canadian development teams will work alongside research teams to develop advanced sovereign robotics and automated vehicle technologies. This will create a local automated military vehicle capability.
The program will focus on the automation of driving capabilities. Rheinmetall only develops systems that are strictly compliant with the rules of engagement of its customers. Rheinmetall does not develop, manufacture, or market fully autonomous weapon systems, according to the company.
Rather, Rheinmetall is convinced that humans must retain the power of decision and therefore rejects fully autonomous weapon systems that could deprive humans of the power to decide whether or not to use weapons against other humans.
The research teams the company plans to partner with include the Defence Science and Technology (DST) group, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT).
