Textron Systems has entered a collaborative agreement with AM General and Carnegie Robotics to design and deliver an autonomous platform for the U.S. Army’s Medium Modular Equipment Transport Trailer (M-MET) program.
The partnership combines the industrial manufacturing experience of AM General, a global light tactical vehicle manufacturer, the autonomy expertise of Carnegie Robotics, and Textron Systems’ experience in crewed and uncrewed military ground vehicles, focusing on vehicle control and payload integration. The purpose of this next-generation Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) is to support the Army’s most pressing modernization priorities, specifically aiming to close logistics gaps. This will allow for the autonomous delivery of multi-class supplies and operational energy between Brigade Support Areas (BSA) and dispersed forward units.
The M-MET platform is intended to have a modular, multi-mission design, capable of autonomously transporting critical supplies, generating and distributing operational energy, and integrating various mission payloads. This is to support the Army’s Transformation in Contact (TiC) and Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). The vehicle is built on the battle-proven HUMVEE platform, enhanced with a modernized powertrain and suspension. It features a rugged, all-terrain chassis and a hybrid-electric powerpack that provides over 30 kW of exportable power.
The system uses drive-by-wire controls, an integrated autonomy suite, and a MOSA-compliant network to ensure adaptability and rapid integration of mission payloads. Its design offers off-road performance, proven interoperability, and scalability for production, providing the Army with a modular, reliable, and rapidly deployable solution.
Textron Systems will incorporate the drive-by-wire system, diagnostics, and weapons payload, drawing on its decades of experience with designing, developing, and integrating unmanned platforms across air, land, and sea domains. The company will use its best-in-class technology and expertise, leveraging its proven robotic core technology to provide an affordable and scalable solution.
David Phillips, Senior Vice President, Air, Land and Sea Systems at Textron Systems, stated, “We are excited to be a part of this endeavor as it leverages each of our key strengths. The M-MET is built to be modular, adaptable and future-ready, ensuring Soldiers have a scalable and versatile platform that meets the Army’s evolving mission needs.”
Carnegie Robotics will be responsible for developing the autonomy software stack, sensor fusion, computer architecture, non-weapons payload integration, and providing ongoing software sustainment. John Bares, President and CEO, Carnegie Robotics, added, “Autonomy is at the heart of this effort, and Carnegie Robotics is proud to bring advanced sensing, software, and AI to ensure the M-MET can operate effectively in complex battlefield environments.”
John Chadbourne, AM General EVP of Business Development, commented, “This collaboration combines the industrial strength of AM General, the autonomy expertise of Carnegie Robotics, and Textron Systems’ proven experience in vehicle control and payload integration to deliver a disruptive capability to the U.S. Army. This new collaboration is a testament to the defense industrial base’s commitment to support the Army’s evolving needs.”
The request for proposal for the M-MET program is expected to be released in 2026.
