The ULTRA autonomous tactical automobile, integrates and deploys a number of modular payloads, together with UAS for reconnaissance and breaching operations. | Credit score: Overland AI
Overland AI in the present day introduced the launch of its ULTRA uncrewed tactical platform. The Seattle-based firm mentioned ULTRA is a brand new era of floor system, designed to be absolutely 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 embody uncrewed aerial techniques (UAS) and counter-UAS techniques.
“ULTRA can navigate environments starting from dense forests to volcanic ridges,” mentioned 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 maintaining them out of hurt’s means.”
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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 prime velocity of 35 mph (56.3 kph), with a cruising vary extending to 100 miles, mentioned the corporate, which was based in 2022. Its off-road autonomy software program, developed by intensive and rigorous testing within the DARPA RACER program, permits 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 assist of maneuver forces, and counter-UAS safety. Overland AI mentioned its missions also can embody resupply for humanitarian assist, together with meals and water, and contested logistics missions.
The system’s networked capabilities allow seamless communication with warfighters and command nodes by native mesh networks, 5G, and satellite tv for pc uplinks.
“ULTRA provides commanders an instantly deployable answer for reconnaissance, counter-UAS, and logistics operations,” added Greg Okopal, co-founder and chief working officer of Overland AI. “The automobile is backed by resilient, networked communications that reach attain and cut back danger.”
The ULTRA autonomous automobile 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 Automobile (RCV) program. The corporate continues to assist packages throughout the Military, Marine Corps, and Particular Operations Command.
The automobile is fitted with a modular, adaptable deck with L-track mounting, vertical hitch receivers, shackles, and aspect rails as mount factors for mission-specific payloads. It has a gross automobile weight of three,500 lb. (1,587 kg), a payload capability of 1,000 lb. (454 kg), and a prime velocity of 35 mph (56 kph).
As well as, the automobile is gas-powered with a 114 HP engine and provides 1KW {of electrical} energy for onboard payloads.
On the coronary heart of the autonomy for the platform is OverDrive, a proprietary floor automobile 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 “permits intuitive, one-to-many management of autos powered by OverDrive with unmatched effectivity and precision.”
To study 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.
