AM General Announces Collaboration with Carnegie Robotics and Textron Systems to Develop Modular Unmanned Ground Vehicle for U.S. Army Modernization

Insider Brief

  • AM General, Carnegie Robotics, and Textron Systems formed a team to design an autonomous platform for the U.S. Army’s Medium Modular Equipment Transport (M-MET) program.
  • The HUMVEE-based unmanned system pairs a rugged chassis with a hybrid-electric powerpack (~30 kW exportable power), drive-by-wire controls, an autonomy suite, and MOSA-compliant payload integration to cut lead time and boost adaptability.
  • Built to close logistics gaps between brigade support areas and dispersed units, the modular UGV will autonomously deliver multi-class supplies and operational energy, with an Army RFP expected in 2026.

PRESS RELEASE – AM General, global light tactical vehicle manufacturer, has formed a collaborative agreement with renowned autonomous solutions provider, Carnegie Robotics, and leading developer of crewed and uncrewed military ground vehicles, Textron Systems, to design and deliver an autonomous platform for the U.S. Army’s Medium Modular Equipment Transport Trailer (M-MET) program. This next-generation unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) will be developed to meet the Army’s most pressing modernization priorities.

“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,” said John Chadbourne, AM General EVP of Business Development. “This new collaboration is a testament to the defense industrial base’s commitment to support the Army’s evolving needs.”

The M-MET program’s key mission is to close logistics gaps to autonomously deliver multi-class supplies and operational energy between Brigade Support Areas (BSA) and dispersed forward units. The platform will have a modular, multi-mission design that can autonomously transport critical supplies, generate and distribute operational energy, and integrate a variety of mission payloads in support of Army Transformation in Contact (TiC) and Multi-Domain Operations (MDO).

AM General alongside Carnegie Robotics and Textron Systems, is delivering a highly capable unmanned platform purpose-built to strengthen Army mobility, sustainment, and energy resilience. The vehicle combines a rugged, all-terrain chassis with advanced suspension and a hybrid-electric powerpack that provides over 30 kW of exportable power – enabling both autonomous logistics and operational energy support. Its drive-by-wire controls, integrated autonomy suite, and MOSA-compliant network ensure adaptability and rapid integration of mission payloads. Built on the battle-proven HUMVEE platform and enhanced with a modernized powertrain and suspension, the system offers unmatched off-road performance, proven interoperability, and scalability for production. This approach allows the Army to field a modular, reliable, and rapidly deployable solution to close critical operational gaps.

“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,” said [John Bares, President and CEO, Carnegie Robotics].

Carnegie Robotics will develop autonomy software stack, sensor fusion, computer architecture, non-weapons payload integration, and provide ongoing software sustainment. Textron Systems will incorporate the drive-by-wire system, diagnostics, and weapons payload. Textron Systems has decades of experience with designing, developing and integrating unmanned platforms, with a deep understanding of autonomous vehicle operation across air, land and sea domains. Textron Systems will use their best-in-class technology and expertise to provide an affordable and scalable solution, leveraging its proven robotic core technology.

“We are excited to be a part of this endeavor as it leverages each of our key strengths,” said David Phillips, Senior Vice President, Air, Land and Sea Systems at Textron Systems. “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.”

The M-MET request for proposal is expected to be released in 2026.

Image credit: AM General

Greg Bock

Greg Bock is an award-winning investigative journalist with more than 25 years of experience in print, digital, and broadcast news. His reporting has spanned crime, politics, business and technology, earning multiple Keystone Awards and a Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters honors. Through the Associated Press and Nexstar Media Group, his coverage has reached audiences across the United States.

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