Rheinmetall integrates Human Machine Teaming into armoured vehicles
Rheinmetall has entered into a pivotal teaming agreement with defence technology startup Breaker to enhance armoured vehicles through the integration of human machine teaming. Breaker’s tactical orchestration agent is set to be incorporated into the Australian Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV), leveraging the platform’s open architecture to enable crew members to manage teams of autonomous systems via voice commands.
This innovative collaboration signifies a substantial advancement in the operational capabilities of armoured vehicles, merging crewed and uncrewed platforms to broaden the Boxer’s range and situational awareness, all without the necessity of additional personnel. Such integration is poised to improve both survivability and lethality on the battlefield, empowering Boxer crews by complementing them with robotic teams that allow them to concentrate fully on their mission.
The swift cooperation between the two companies has yielded impressive results; Breaker’s software was seamlessly integrated into Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s simulator within weeks, showcasing a functional capability on the Boxer in just six months following their initial discussions.
During a demonstration for the customer, a single crew member, who received less than 30 minutes of training, successfully commanded a swarm of drones using the standard-issue microphone and headset while simultaneously operating the vehicle and attending to standard duties. This demonstration clearly illustrated that a seamless collaboration between human operators and autonomous systems can effectively safeguard operators on the front line.
Nathan Poyner, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Defence Australia, remarked, “The Boxer CRV, delivered through LAND400 Phase Two, is the most advanced land platform in service with the Australian Army. Its open architecture facilitates the integration of novel force multipliers, such as Breaker’s software, making it essentially ‘plug and play’.”
Poyner further emphasized, “Integrating platforms with autonomy solutions enhances crew survivability and mission effectiveness. What we’ve demonstrated with Breaker, in just six months, is that a Boxer operator can control autonomous systems with their voice as naturally as they would communicate with any crew member.”
Michael Irwin, co-founder and co-CEO of Breaker, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “Partnering with Rheinmetall on the next generation of armoured vehicle operations is a thrilling opportunity. The Boxer is a validated capability, and Breaker’s tactical orchestration layer empowers crews to engage with robotic teams like never before, increasing the Boxer’s lethality and survivability with a reduced crew.”
Irwin further highlighted the significance of collaboration in the face of rapid changes in warfare, stating, “This partnership illustrates the necessity for like-minded companies to work together. As the landscape of warfare evolves swiftly, collaboration is essential for delivering requisite capabilities at pace.”
He concluded with a strong message: “Warfighters at the front line require autonomy most, yet often have it the least. Our mission is to change that.”
As part of the LAND400 Phase 2 project awarded in 2018, Rheinmetall is scheduled to deliver 211 Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles, which are projected to serve for the next 30 years. This partnership with Breaker holds the potential for expansion across multiple capabilities and vehicle types, both in Australia and on a global scale.
