The HDT Micro-Utility Vehicle Robot has the power, endurance, and mobility to clear trails for dismounted infantry. With its Mini-Flail attachment, the Micro-Utility Vehicle can clear a safe walking path at 3 mph (5 kph).
The Micro-Utility Vehicle is operated using a simple hand controller that can also function as a weapon fore grip. The wireless link allows operations up to 400 m away.
In addition to clearing trails, the Micro-Utility Vehicle can carry up to 227 kg on vehicle with an additional 227 kg on trailer. Powered by diesel or JP8, the robot can run for days on internal fuel. With the ability to climb 45° slopes and a maximum width of just 0.9 m, the Micro-Utility Vehicle is a good match for the mobility of dismounted infantry.
The firepower of a dismounted infantry unit is limited by the weight of the weapon and the amount of ammunition that they can carry. With a Micro-Utility Vehicle, a dismounted squad has much greater lethality, and they can deliver it remotely.
The Micro-Utility Vehicle in fire support variant can carry the standard M-153 Common Remote Operated Weapon Station (CROWS), which can fire a M240B 7.62mm machine gun, M2 12.7mm machine gun, or automatic grenade launcher Mk19, while on the move. The CROWS can also be equipped with a Javelin anti-tank guided missile, in addition to the primary weapon.
The US military has over ten thousand M-153 CROWS in inventory, any of which can be mounted on a MicroUtility Vehicle robot.
A live fire demonstration of the robot and CROWS with an M240B 7.62mm machine gun was conducted at Fort Benning.