Overland AI’s autonomous ground vehicle shows defence buyers favouring autonomy that fits fleets and supply chains they already run
Overland AI has launched Ibex, a fully autonomous ground vehicle for the US military built on the in-service Polaris MRZR’s chassis, engine and drivetrain. The US Marine Corps has chosen it for integration into its Marine Air Defense Integrated System, a counter-drone platform.
Ibex comes under what Overland AI calls the first production contract primed by a ground autonomy company for the US military. It carries 2,000lb (907kg), exceeds 35mph autonomously and covers 250 miles (402km) per tank at 20mph, running on diesel or JP-8.
Common parts and fuel with the MRZR let units sustain Ibex through existing supply chains, and it fits inside a V-22 aircraft. It needs no remote control or teleoperation, relying on Overland AI’s OverDrive software to cross difficult terrain with degraded communications.
Its 5kW of export power points to a wider role, with Overland AI pitching each vehicle as a power, communications and computing node at the front line. The company’s autonomy stack has already supported resupply, counter-drone, breaching and electronic warfare missions with the Army, Marine Corps and Special Operations Command.
In a statement, Greg Okopal, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Overland AI, said: “We pride ourselves on developing technology that is informed directly by the warfighter. IBEX is a new platform built on the MRZR’s proven chassis, engine, and drivetrain, so it can be deployed on day one and maintained with the parts and fuel units already have.”
Source: Overland AI
Source: www.automotiveworld.com
