The ULTRA autonomous tactical car, integrates and deploys a number of modular payloads, together with UAS for reconnaissance and breaching operations. | Credit score: Overland AI
Overland AI as we speak introduced the launch of its ULTRA uncrewed tactical platform. The Seattle-based firm stated ULTRA is a brand new era of floor system, designed to be totally autonomous and straightforward configurable for various missions.
On the coronary heart of the system is Overland AI’s proprietary OverDrive software program stack, its SPARK {hardware} infrastructure, and modular payloads that embrace uncrewed aerial techniques (UAS) and counter-UAS techniques.
“ULTRA can navigate environments starting from dense forests to volcanic ridges,” stated Byron Boots, co-founder and CEO of Overland AI. “This empowers the warfighter to win in essential contested theaters just like the Indo-Pacific whereas retaining them out of hurt’s manner.”
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Overland AI designs for a number of missions
ULTRA contains a 1,000-lb. (453.5 kg) payload capability and a high velocity of 35 mph (56.3 kph), with a cruising vary extending to 100 miles, stated the corporate, which was based in 2022. Its off-road autonomy software program, developed by means of in depth and rigorous testing within the DARPA RACER program, allows uncrewed platform motion in GPS-denied environments throughout brutal terrain and situations.
What units ULTRA aside is its versatility throughout vital floor operations, together with built-in reconnaissance operations, direct help of maneuver forces, and counter-UAS safety. Overland AI stated its missions may embrace resupply for humanitarian help, together with meals and water, and contested logistics missions.
The system’s networked capabilities allow seamless communication with warfighters and command nodes by means of native mesh networks, 5G, and satellite tv for pc uplinks.
“ULTRA provides commanders an instantly deployable resolution for reconnaissance, counter-UAS, and logistics operations,” added Greg Okopal, co-founder and chief working officer of Overland AI. “The car is backed by resilient, networked communications that stretch attain and scale back danger.”
The ULTRA autonomous car can map its environment in actual time, whereas driving offroad in new territory. | Credit score: Overland AI
ULTRA a part of ongoing contracts
The ULTRA system builds on Overland AI’s established relationship with the U.S. armed forces, following the Overland AI’s $18.6 million contract with the U.S. Military and Protection Innovation Unit (DIU) for the Robotic Fight Car (RCV) program. The corporate continues to help packages throughout the Military, Marine Corps, and Particular Operations Command.
The car is fitted with a modular, adaptable deck with L-track mounting, vertical hitch receivers, shackles, and facet rails as mount factors for mission-specific payloads. It has a gross car weight of three,500 lb. (1,587 kg), a payload capability of 1,000 lb. (454 kg), and a high velocity of 35 mph (56 kph).
As well as, the car is gas-powered with a 114 HP engine and gives 1KW {of electrical} energy for onboard payloads.
On the coronary heart of the autonomy for the platform is OverDrive, a proprietary floor car autonomy stack, that’s purpose-built for complicated, pure, and contested environments. Mission commanders can use the OverWatch software program, which empowers unit operators with superior mission planning.
The corporate claimed that its platform “allows intuitive, one-to-many management of automobiles powered by OverDrive with unmatched effectivity and precision.”
To be taught extra about the way forward for area robotics, make sure you attend the upcoming Subject Robotics Discussion board at RoboBusiness on Oct. 15 and 16, 2025 in Santa Clara, Calif.
