Hanwha Defence, a major South Korean defense contractor, and an army infantry division have begun testing a new six-wheeled, 2-ton Multi-Purpose Unmanned Ground Vehicle (M-UGV).

 

This vehicle, which can carry up to 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds) of cargo and travel over 100 kilometers (62.1 miles) on a single charge, was first unveiled in July 2021.

The M-UGV, also known as the intelligence UGV (I-UGV), can be controlled remotely or operate autonomously. Its roles include surveillance, logistics transport, casualty evacuation, and combat support. The vehicle features airless tires and a low profile, ideal for its reconnaissance and surveillance missions. It is equipped with a Remote-Controlled Weapon System (RCWS) that uses artificial intelligence to detect and return fire in the direction of incoming gunfire.

The field demonstration, which began on October 8, will test various functions such as remote control, GPS-based autonomous driving, and the RCWS. If communication with the control tower is lost, the I-UGV will attempt to reconnect; if unsuccessful, it will return to its starting location independently.