The leader-follower technology is readily available to be integrated on existing vehicles and for the next-generation of vehicles. It will be a critical enabler for future force capabilities, and support interoperability between the nations that adopt the kit. The use of a HX truck proves how easily compatible the technology is with many existing trucks in service with NATO countries. The technology enables future force logistics with less soldiers, moving greater volumes, at day and at night.

For the demonstration, a RMMV HX truck was fitted with the ‘leader’ kit, and three following vehicles were fitted with both ‘A’ and ‘B’ kits. This enabled them to wirelessly connect to the convoy autonomously, with the functions of the vehicles operating remotely. Our guests saw both the HX trucks and MRZR vehicles cross tarmac roads, prepared tracks and off-road areas in densely wooded terrain, move over steep gradients and navigate numerous bends while seamlessly connected. This revealed the resilience of the advanced autonomous system’s capability in a range of environments, and demonstrated how this advanced technology can provide dispersed logistics with diverse vehicle types. The reduction in the number of personnel required to deliver effective logistics by using the leader-follower technology also significantly reduces the risk involved.

In the recent European Land Robot Trial 2024 (ELROB) competition, the Rheinmetall InterRoc team won first place in the “Automated Convoy” category. The combination of HX truck and integrated PATH autonomy kit demonstrating Rheinmetall technology.