Kodiak Robotics, Textron Systems Unveil Self-Driving Military Vehicle

Self-driving tech company Kodiak Robotics and military vehicle developer Textron Systems have officially revealed the fruits of their first project together.

The Silicon Valley start-up’s signature AI-powered Kodiak Driver tech has been integrated into the Rhode Island-based firm’s RIPSAW M3 to produce what is being hailed as “a rugged and reliable uncrewed robotic ground vehicle.”

The companies first announced they were working with each other in May when they confirmed that a purpose-built autonomous vehicle (AV) fitted with the Kodiak Driver would be unveiled before the end of 2025. Now it is clear that AV is the RIPSAW M3.

Kodiak’s autonomous solution can be fitted to all types of vehicles, and we have already seen its potential on freight trucks, as well as a Ford F-150 test vehicle developed for the U.S. military following a $50 million deal with the United States Department of Defense.

But the RIPSAW M3 marks the first time the Kodiak Driver has appeared on an autonomous tracked vehicle and also constitutes the first time the tech has appeared in an AV that has no room for a human.

Kodiak and Textron claim that the RIPSAW M3 is suitable for use on high-risk military missions, such as reconnaissance, surveillance and tactical maneuvers. It can also cope with a wide range of challenging terrain, including highways, dirt roads and cross-country routes, thanks to an advanced perception system.

Related:Autonomous Military Vehicle Prototype Revealed

Among the tech highlights on the RIPSAW M3 are Kodiak’s innovative DefensePods, an adapted version of the company’s SensorPods. Essentially pre-built hardware enclosures for the sensors that are required for autonomous driving, are featured at all four corners of the AV, ensuring 360-degree visibility, but can be changed in less than 10 minutes – ideal in challenging military environments.

Credit: Kodiak Robotics

It also comes with Kodiak’s Assisted Autonomy tech, which combines self-driving functionality with human path planning, which allows soldiers to control it remotely – potentially a massive benefit on mission-critical tasks.

Textron and Kodiak have high hopes for the RIPSAW M3 and say they hope to “explore opportunities” with the U.S. Department of Defense, as well as the militaries of other allied nations.

David Phillips, Textron Systems’ senior vice president, claimed: “The RIPSAW M3 equipped with the Kodiak Driver is a transformative solution for military ground operations. 

“Our collaboration will not only enhance the U.S. military’s ability to execute complex and high-risk missions but also provides a critical tool for keeping personnel out of harm’s way. 

Related:Kodiak Robotics, Textron Systems Develop Self-Driving Military Vehicle

“This collaboration will help redefine, and perhaps accelerate, the future of uncrewed military ground vehicles.”

Don Burnette, founder and CEO of Kodiak, added: “No other autonomous system can drive everywhere, from on-highway to off-road, providing unique value to customers across the defense, trucking, and industrial industries. By collaborating with Textron Systems, we can offer unparalleled support to the warfighter at the speed of relevance.”