Mixed Reality System Is What Points This Robot Tank to the Enemy

The world's militaries usually call terrestrial drones unmanned ground vehicles (UGV). At the time of writing, they mostly came as small-to-medium vehicles capable of carrying soldiers, supplies, and in some cases even weapons. They can be controlled from afar, and some of them even have limited autonomous capabilities.

There are many UGVs in use already, but none of them are the size and the shape of a tank, and on top of that suitable to use as a tank. But people are working on it, and the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) is one way things may go.

The Type-X is a tracked platform on top of which a variety of gear can be installed, to serve the momentary needs of the military. Once equipped, the tank (we'll call it that for lack of a better word) can be sent into battle either under the control of an AI system that can only steer it, or guided from afar by soldiers.

The vehicle has been in the news for a while now, with its maker, Estonian robotics company Milrem, making it a very visible project over the past few years. This week we got a new piece of the Type-X puzzle – the system that allows soldiers to control the machine from afar.

The tank is getting ready to be shown at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition in London starting next week, and it'll go there as the only vehicle of its kind packing a mixed reality situational awareness system (MRSAS).

The tech is officially called the Vegvisir Remote MRSAS and comes as a 360-degree virtual dome around the tank. Using EO/IR sensors, it allows operators to see the tank's close and medium proximity surroundings, and can be used to target and engage the enemy nearby. The Vegvisir can work in lower bandwidth than similar systems.

The remote-controlled tank to be shown in London will also be equipped with the Kongsberg-made Protector Medium Calibre Turret, which comes with a Bushmaster 30 mm cannon. A tethered drone that can be used as a communications relay, made by Elistair, is also included in the package.

The Type-X is not yet in operation with any of the world's armies, but it should soon become an important sidekick for infantry troops operating in dangerous areas. Several countries, including the U.S., have already expressed interest in the tech, so as soon as Milrem is done with testing the tank and its various configurations we'll probably see it in action.