Stratom Autonomous Pallet Loader Sequential Phase II (2023-2025)

Currently there is no system that allows for autonomous loading/unloading of cargo palletized on full- or half-size 463L pallets in tactical/austere environments. This results in a reliance on manpower (including fire teams) for unloading tasks in unsecured locations. An autonomous capability to load and unload cargo would greatly reduce the burden on Marines in the field to move supplies out of supplying aircraft. Manual handling of cargo increases time the aircraft is on the ground in the Landing Zone and increases exposure of personnel and the aircraft. The APL is a rugged autonomous forklift designed to deliver large quantities of supplies at scale in contested and austere logistics environments and has been matured to TRL 6. The vehicle is designed to move 1,200 gallons of water, 1,450 gallons of fuel, or 10,000 lbs. of munitions in a single trip and can tow cargo trailers while carrying payloads. Compared to existing fielded material handling equipment (MHE) with similar payload capacities, the APL is safer, weighs less, reduces cycle times up to 8x, and saves cost by reducing aircraft fuel waste and requiring fewer personnel to operate. These benefits can save the Marine Corps significant time and money for cargo logistics between aircraft, Forward Operating Bases (FOBs),  and Forward Arming and Refueling Points (FARPs) while also increasing digital consolidation of fleet information for improved oversight and logistics orchestration.  At a high level, the proposed scope for this project includes: Hardware updates to improve performance & durability, reduce vehicle weight, increase compatibility, and ensure readiness for future flight certification testing. Integration of new sensors to improve cargo stability during transport and cargo transfer with aircraft and to improve driver situational awareness (SA). Significant autonomy software expansion to enable cargo pickup, drop off, cross-docking with loading docks, cross-decking with aircraft ramps, and autonomous driving in and out of aircraft. Development of advanced autonomy to enable independent operation over austere terrain and in adverse weather conditions, and detection & avoidance of negative obstacles. Operator Control Unit (OCU) enhancements that include basic driver assist feedback, communication of vehicle health status, queue of error and maintenance messages, manual vehicle control, and support for live camera feeds. Vehicle testing in computer simulation, simulated physical environments, and operationally-relevant environments. Commercialization planning and manufacturing readiness activities to create a path toward low-volume production and required certification tests. Development of a Verification Cross-Reference Matrix (VCRM) test plan, and completion of testing activities. A culminating demonstration at a site (TBD) that demonstrates successful completion of project tasks and objectives in a simulated operationally-relevant environment.