Robotics Systems
Robotics Systems funding will demonstrate new capabilities to meet current and future military needs and to determine integration potential across the Army Robotics portfolio by testing and evaluating a variety of emerging technologies. Robotics Systems (RS) improves robotic and autonomous program acquisition schedules by supporting the development of integrated and synchronized capability documents and by maturing / transitioning technology. RDT&E funds enable support to capability development of emerging requirements. Activities include collaboration with industry and government, studies, assessments, and document development such as Robotic open Interfaces, architectures, and specifications; Technology Readiness Levels, Manufacturing Readiness Levels, Trade Studies, Letter of Sufficiency determinations, draft acquisition documents, and draft contract documents. RS also supports the Army modernization strategy of the current Robotic fleets and current Army vehicles by investigating technology insertions including, but not limited to condition-based maintenance, platform and payload electronics, autonomous operations and other ground robotics technologies. FY 2027 funding will continue to demonstrate and explore technologies that support the Continuous Transformation Initiative published in 2025. Funding will also support expansion of the virtual test and evaluation capabilities for autonomous software and electronic warfare.
FY2025 accomplishments FY 2025 plans continue efforts from FY 2024 to fund Modeling and Simulation (M&S) to support the development and test of autonomous systems. Funding addresses Manned/Unmanned Teams capabilities including Live/Virtual testing to reduce the number of needed physical assets and to increase safety on the test range/course. Funding will also be used to evaluate and mature Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) algorithms for potential use in future robotic programs. Funding supports systems engineering activities for emerging programs.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Decrease in funding from FY 2026 to FY 2027 is due completion of efforts initiated under Human Machine Integrated Formation (HMIF).
FY2026 plans — current year Funding realigned: Autonomy Formations funding from Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technology Office (RCCTO) PE: 0605054/FI3 to Robotics Systems, PE: 0604017A/FD9 This funding continues the development and integration for Armored and Infantry Formations. Autonomy is designed to enhance Soldiers' decision-making capabilities by leveraging machines to provide additional information and reduce cognitive load. This is achieved through the integration of ground robotic systems, key enablers, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and a variety of payloads. This funding supports issuance of critical technologies for Soldier Touchpoints and experiments through software productization, payload…
FY2025 accomplishments Autonomy Formation accelerates the fielding of robotic formations in order to leverage machines to offload risk and provide Soldiers with additional information for decision making for Armored and Infantry Formations. Autonomous formations will include ground and air systems and enablers to aid in the human decision-making process to find, fix and engage enemy targets. Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) Autonomy Formations prototype development supports existing and future robotic capabilities by mitigating risk associated with enabling capabilities such as the common architecture, communications and network capabilities and mitigation of safety risks hindering…
Funding will procure hardware to enhance interoperable and one-to-many control for a diversity of unmanned systems as well as addressing field support and cyber survivability for Transformation in Contact (TiC) unit operational assessments of common controller hardware.
Read the FY2027 plan →FY2027 planned work Funding will be used to partner with industry and create standardized system of systems software for the next generation of autonomous systems. Goals for FY 2027 will focus on standards and interface development as well as a virtual sandbox for simulation and experimentation, tools necessary to implement a buy-try-decide acquisition approach for Mission Autonomy Common Control (MACC) software. Funding will also support fielding of initial MACC software to TiC units, and enhance software capabilities being acquired by others, including the Pathway for Innovation and Transformation (PIT).
FY2026 to FY2027 change Decrease from FY 2026 to FY 2027 is due to the alignment of resources with the Army's product/feature roadmap for Advanced Robotics.
FY2026 plans — current year Funding will be used to partner with industry and create standardized system of systems software for the next generation of autonomous systems. Goals for FY 2026 are to reduce operator workload by developing software that lessens the cognitive demands on users controlling robots and Modular Mission Payloads (MMPs). Funding will also improve command and control with a focus on how information is shared and integrated.