Highlighting some of the many applications for small, task-oriented vehicles

Unmanned Military Vehicles: John Deere recently demonstrated its R-Gator standalone, autonomous mule, which is based on its M-Gator model at the Army sponsored Robotic Rodeo.

Applications include reconnaissance, patrol, hauling supplies (up to 1,400 lbs.), casualty evacuation, and the “marsupial” capability–namely the ferrying and remote deployment of smaller, specialized robots.

The Robotics Rodeo is sponsored by the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) and by the U.S. Army’s III Corps.  Learn more:  CNET.com

Campus Maintenance: Shenandoah University recently replaced a gas powered maintenance vehicle with a Vantage electric truck.  The electric truck meets LSV standards and is powered by a 72 volt battery system.  The vehicle will be used by the university’s physical plant department for general maintenance and contributes to the goals of reducing the carbon footprint and reaching campus sustainability.  The university expects to save on fuel and maintenance costs while reducing emissions and noise.  Learn more:  Shenandoah University