Autonomous systems Rheinmetall Integrates Human-Machine Teaming Into Armoured Vehicles

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Rheinmetall Defence Australia and Australian defence technology start-up Breaker have signed a cooperation agreement to integrate Human-Machine Teaming into armoured vehicles, enabling Boxer crews to control teams of autonomous systems using voice commands.

Rheinmetall and Australian defence technology start-up Breaker have signed a cooperation agreement to integrate Human-Machine Teaming into armoured vehicles. Breaker’s tactical orchestration agent will be integrated into the Australian Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV) via the platform’s open architecture. This will enable the crew to control entire teams of autonomous systems using voice commands.

This represents a significant advance in the operational capabilities of armoured vehicles. Manned and unmanned platforms are combined to extend the Boxer’s range and situational awareness without requiring additional personnel. Survivability and combat effectiveness on the battlefield are enhanced by reinforcing the Boxer crew with teams of robots, allowing crew members to focus fully on their mission.

Rheinmetall and Breaker worked together at impressive speed, integrating Breaker’s software into the Rheinmetall Defence Australia simulator within just a few weeks and demonstrating its functionality on the Boxer only six months after their initial discussion.

During a demonstration for the customer, a single crew member used the standard headset microphone in the Boxer, after less than 30 minutes of training, to control a drone swarm. At the same time, the crew member operated the vehicle and carried out their regular duties. The demonstration provided clear evidence that seamless cooperation between manned and unmanned systems can help ensure the safety of human operators at the front.

Nathan Poyner, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Defence Australia, said: “The Boxer CRV delivered under LAND400 Phase 2 is the most advanced land platform currently in service with the Australian Defence Force. Its open architecture essentially makes the integration of novel force multipliers, such as Breaker’s software, a ‘plug-and-play’ solution.

“When integrating platforms with autonomous solutions, the objective is to increase crew survivability and operational value. What we have been able to demonstrate together with Breaker after just six months of collaboration is that a Boxer operator can control autonomous systems with their voice, just as they would speak to any member of their crew.

“This achievement is testament to Rheinmetall’s open-architecture approach and Breaker’s platform-agnostic software.”

Michael Irwin, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Breaker, said: “We are delighted to partner with Rheinmetall on the next stage of armoured vehicle employment. The Boxer is a proven, validated and integrated system. Breaker’s tactical coordination layer enables crews to work with robot teams in ways that have not previously been possible. This integration makes the Boxer more capable and survivable in future combat with fewer crew members. It makes every vehicle the centre of its own autonomous formation.

“This partnership demonstrates the importance of like-minded companies working together. The world of warfare is changing very rapidly. Collaboration is the only way to deliver capabilities as quickly as the situation requires.

“Fighters at the front need autonomy the most, but have the least of it. Our mission is to change that.”

As part of the LAND400 Phase 2 project awarded in 2018, Rheinmetall is delivering 211 Boxer CRVs, which are expected to remain in service for the next 30 years. The partnership with Breaker has the potential to expand to various capabilities and vehicle types, both in Australia and worldwide.