The U.S. Army will host an industry day at which various firms will display their solutions for human-machine teaming in formations.
NDIA's National Defense reported that the Army has tested human-machine formations this year at the National Training Center of Fort Irwin.
An industry day is planned for November 2024, where five different solutions will be demonstrated.
The initiative to develop human-machine formations was launched in 2023, and several different concepts were demonstrated, such as a UAV acting as a communication node for a small UGV.
The officials envision unmanned systems in the Army to undertake risky missions like mine/IED clearance or infiltration of contested areas.
Additionally, AI is seen as an opportunity for ISR to speed up decision-making as it has significant potential for data evaluation.
However, the officials also acknowledge the difficulties with the rapid capability distribution and funding.
Where the Air Force seeks loyal Wingman as expendable sensor/weapon carriers for fighters and the Navy seeks large USVs as missile trucks, the Army can be described as looking for "loyal troops" in a similar fashion to carry out risky missions, provide fire support, and carry additional supplies.
The U.S. Army Seeks Human-Machine Hybrid Squads
