Missouri firm Intramotev has tested its TugVolt autonomous railcar with the US Army during a logistics exercise, demonstrating how the technology could help move military cargo without a conventional locomotive.
The trial took place during Operation Sentinel Justice, during which soldiers used TugVolt as a switcher to reposition Department of Defense railcars between rail spurs for loading and unloading.
According to the company, the vehicle was later used to reorganize railcars carrying real military cargo that arrived during the exercise.
TugVolt is a battery-electric autonomous rail vehicle designed to move railcars without a locomotive or onboard crew. Intramotev said the system can automate switching operations at rail yards and logistics hubs, potentially reducing manpower requirements while speeding cargo movement.
US Military Logistics Technology Tests
The TugVolt demonstration comes as the US military continues evaluating autonomous and advanced logistics technologies to improve sustainment and mobility.
In May, the US Army successfully integrated rocket firepower into a TRV 150 logistics drone, with BAE Systems’ FalconWorks mounting a three-shot launcher for 70mm Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System rockets to evaluate armed resupply platform capabilities.
The same month, FLEETWERX and the US Naval Postgraduate School demonstrated a distributed logistics network that combines 3D printing, AI, and unmanned systems to manufacture and deliver critical replacement parts directly to the field.
Earlier, in February, Keller Army Community Hospital received US Federal Aviation Administration approval to advance Project MARS, a drone-based logistics program developed with the US Military Academy’s Robotics Research Center to transport medical supplies, equipment, and blood products.
