Gallery: U.S. Army tackles tech for the battlefield - TechRepublic

Gallery: U.S. Army tackles tech for the battlefield

  • \n\tThe U.S. Army showed off some its latest high tech combat gear at the U.S. Army All American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas last month. The event is an annual showcase for 90 of the top graduating high school football players and a chance for the army to show off its latest gear to draw new recruits and give the public a chance to see its latest advancements.

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    \n\tFeatures include the latest robotic vehicles from the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center, flexible screens, and new ways to utilize solar power.

  • \n\tThe U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center featured CERV or Quantum Technology’s Clandestine Extended Range Vehicle. Attendees were given rides on CERV which is a hybrid vehicle configured to maintain speeds of 80 mph, climb 60 percent grades, ford 30 inches of water, and perform other unique military requirements.

  • \n\tFlexible screens that are being developed for combat use were shown off at the event.

  • \n\tLockheed Martin’s HULC (Human Universal Load Carrier) was on display. It’s a robotic exoskeleton that’s driven by battery-powered titanium legs. It also contains an on-board computer that helps distribute the load. Lockheed Martin claims the HULC will help soldiers carry up to 200 pounds “with minimal effort.”

  • \n\tThe Avenger Table Top Trainer trains gunners to detect, acquire, identify and engage enemy aircraft and ground targets on a realistically simulated battlefield.

  • \n\tThe army let people experience night combat in this 200 foot truck.

  • \n\tRENEWS or Reusing Existing Natural Wind and Solar system will bring solar and wind energy to virtually any location.

  • \n\tREPPS or the Rucksack Enabled Portable Power System is a flexible solar panel that can be folded and carried in a rucksack. It produces 62 volts and can be used to power portable electronic devices such as laptops.

  • \n\tAt the event, TARDEC showed off many small robotic vehicles that are built to scout potentially hazardous locations.

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    \n\tChildren were invited to try out the devices.

  • \n\tTGER or the Tactical Garbage to Energy Refinery is a portable waste system that was used in Iraq.

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    \n\tPhoto Credit: Jerry Warner, Defense Life Sciences

  • \n\tMore robots to show off.

  • \n\tRAVEN, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, has been in use since 2006 providing aerial reconnaissance and surveillance of the battlefield. It fits into a rucksack.

  • \n\tTARDEC shows a small robot walking up steps.

  • \n\tControls for CERV.

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