TeleSwivel and Stratom Partner on Autonomous Hitch System Project for US Army

The system transforms the standard pintle hitch and trailer lunette connection to enable the use of trucks and trailers in autonomous ground resupply sustainment operations, resulting in improved versatility, increased speed and reduced soldier risk By Joseph Macey / 16 Jan 2023

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow DA

Stratom has announced a partnership with TeleSwivel to develop a fully autonomous articulated hitch control system as part of the U.S. Army’s Autonomous Transport Vehicle program.

According to Stratom, the autonomous hitch system transforms the standard pintle hitch and trailer lunette connection to enable the use of trucks and trailers in autonomous ground resupply sustainment operations. The result is believed to be significantly improved versatility, increased speed, and reduced soldier risk. Together, Stratom and TeleSwivel, will work to deliver autonomous technology as a key enabler in the Army’s Autonomous Ground Resupply system.

TeleSwivel is believed to have chosen Stratom to help identify autonomous hitch operation control inputs and outputs, determine the optimal control points between kits and systems and define the communication interface required to command the hitch throughout its full geometrical capture range. Stratom will also be expected to assist with sensor and camera selection to autonomously identify the position of the trailer and operate the hitch without human intervention.

Ryan DelGizzi, Stratom’s director of engineering, said: “Convoys of the future demand automation of the truck-trailer connection to minimize risk and ameliorate situations where soldiers have to lift heavy trailer tongues or get between a moving PLS truck and its trailer to complete the connection. Leveraging our unique experience with developing an autonomous fueling system for the Expedient Leader-Follower platform, TeleSwivel partnered with our team to help transition from a power articulated hitch controlled by a ground guide to a fully autonomous hitch control. This application is the perfect fit for our expertise as we continue to support the Army’s continued momentum into the world of autonomy.”

Dave Woolf, TeleSwivel’s President and CEO, commented: “The Army’s current equipment for towing tactical trailers is more than 80 years old. This outdated technology, combined with adverse conditions, makes connecting a PLS truck to its trailer a time-consuming, dangerous — and even deadly — task for soldiers. The risk that legacy hitches pose to soldiers today will be much greater on future Multi-Domain battlefields where mobility will be essential for survival. We’re thrilled to partner with the Stratom team to deliver an autonomous hitch system that will not only make the use of PLS trailers possible in AGR operations but, when fielded on future Common Tactical Truck systems, will also enhance speed of movement for any operation involving trailers.”

Posted by Joseph Macey Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

GA-ASI & Marine Corps Advance MQ-9A Operational Capabilities

The U.S. Marine Corps has accumulated over 1,000 flight hours using the MQ-9A unmanned aircraft in collaboration with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI)

Apr 30, 2025
New ESTU Module to Boost Short-Term Stability of Optical Cesium Clocks

Adtran has launched the Enhanced Short-Term Unit (ESTU) for its OSA 3300 optical cesium clocks, delivering passive hydrogen maser-level stability and significantly enhancing precision timing for defense applications

Apr 30, 2025
Sky Power to Showcase ISR UAV Propulsion Technology at XPONENTIAL 2025

Sky Power International will present advanced UAV propulsion technologies at XPONENTIAL 2025, highlighting powerful engines, hybrid systems, and customized solutions for ISR and civilian applications

Apr 29, 2025
Full Ground Autonomy Integrated into Army SMET Vehicle for Uncrewed Breaching

Overland AI demonstrated its latest autonomous ground breaching capabilities at Project Convergence Capstone 5, integrating advanced software, hardware, and aerial payloads for Army experimentation

Apr 29, 2025
Application of Wheel Speed Sensors in INS

Micro-Magic delves into how wheel speed sensors are often used as auxiliary sensors in INS to improve navigation accuracy and suppress accumulated errors of inertial sensors

Apr 28, 2025
Product Spotlight: The Honeywell HG4930 IMU

Honeywell highlights the key features and reliability of the Honeywell HG4930 IMU, a trusted solution for navigation in GNSS-denied environments and challenging conditions

Apr 28, 2025

Featured Content

Sky Power to Showcase ISR UAV Propulsion Technology at XPONENTIAL 2025

Sky Power International will present advanced UAV propulsion technologies at XPONENTIAL 2025, highlighting powerful engines, hybrid systems, and customized solutions for ISR and civilian applications

Apr 29, 2025
Q&A with DEFCROS: Key Insights for the 2025 Expo

DEFCROS Founder Kristijan Ilovača discusses the expo’s rapid growth, international ambitions, and how the event aims to support defense and security innovators

Apr 24, 2025
Ophir® FoldIR Lens Enhances Long-Range Imaging for Defense & Security Operations

The new Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm MWIR zoom lens delivers compact, long-range imaging with low-SWaP performance for drones and small gimbal platforms

Apr 17, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.